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John Ball. 

[For bkrtcli oj Life see Page \\. 



MEMORIALS 



OF THE 



GRAND RIYER VALLEY, 



FRANKLIN EVERETT, A. M. 



Has Oblivion a rigid to the Past? 



CHICAGO : 
THE CHICAGO LEGAL NEWS COlStPANT. 

1878. 



..t_ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877. 

By Franklin Everett, 
In the office of tlie Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



STERIOTVPKT) AND PKINIKD 

11 V THK 

CHICAOO LEGAL NEWS COMPANY. 



/ 



PREFATORY NOTE. 



Tins work was prosecuted under the auspices of the Oi.d Residents' 
Association of the Grand Rivkr Valley, the members of that body 
having the desire that the scenes of the past should not pass into obHv- 
ion. 

No pains have been spared to make it authentic, and to render it 
worthy of the kindly reception of those for whom it was undertaken. 

Without the aid of those who felt an interest in the work, it never 
would and never could have seen the light. Knowing veiy well that 
those who have been my patrons would not choose that their names 
should be given, I must still be indulged in the public expression of my 
heartfelt thanks to them collectively and individualfy. 

The illustrations are mostly from Crosscup & West, of Philadelphia, 
and challenge comparison. 

For the critical accuracy with which the letter-press is presented, thf 
book is indebted to the accomplished proof-reader. Miss Mary To.mlin. 
of the Chicago Legal News. 

With this brief statement, the work is committed to the public, with 
the hope that it will not be idly cast aside, or lightly appreciated. 

F. E. 

Grand Rapids, Nov. 15th, 1877. 



X 



COISTENTS 



PAGE 

Algoma 159 

Alpine 165 

Ada 171 

Allendale 500 

Ball's Statement of Early Tiiu', ^: 13 

Banking I Early) 25 

Berlin 88 

Boston 99 

Belding 131 

Bowne 176 

Byron 181 

Birchen Canoe 289 

Banking '. : 402 

Crash, The 42 

Cook's Corners 131 

Campbell 140 

Cascade 186 

Caledonia 191 

Cannon 196 

Courtland 199 

Cedar Springs 219 

Chippewa Mythology 282 

Cobmoosa's Lament 281 

Crockery 508 

Danby 150 

Early Times (Ball) 13 

Eastx)n 106 

Fruitport 517 

Getting Extravagant 11 

Grand River Valley in 1837 33 

Gaines 202 

Grattan 204 



Vlll CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Grand River Valley in 1846 374 

Grand Rapids 388 

Topography 388 

Streets 387 

City Government 389 

Communication 392 

Fire Department 393 

Schools 396 

K. S. 1 40() 

Banking 402 

Churches 405 

Societies 411 

< iypsum ; 543 

< irand Haven 413 

Georgetown 496 

Hub'oardston 116 

TIarbor Improvements 526 

Holland 456 

Ionia 45 

Ionia County 154 

Indians 269 

Of Southern Michig.m 273 

As found 276 

Flat River '2>^0 

Holland 282 

McKinney's Letters 285 

Poetry 287 

Superstition 288 

Canoe 289 

Pipe Dance, etc 290 

Treaties 293 

Anecdotes 297 

Acts concerning 298 

Mission 298 

Trader, First • 525 

Mythology ' 282 

Jamestown 511 

Keene 132 

Kiddville 131 

Kent County 264 



CONTENTS. IX 

PAGE 

Lyons "^ 

Lowell 210 

Long Nose 29-» 

Legislative Acts — 

Ionia County - • • • '"^'^ 

Kent County '• *'- 

Ottawa County ^'-'^ 

Lumber '•'^ ' 

Mink '^■> 

Matherton ^ 1^ 

Mythology, Chippewa 2b:^ 

Mission (Slater's) 298 

Military -50:5 

Martyrs '^04 

Men furnished ^-'1 

Third Infantry •'•'■- 

Engineers' & Mechanics' •'■J^ 

Sixth Cavalry 34;> 

Seventh Cavaliy '^■* 

Twenty-First Infantry •^•-^O 

Third Cavalry -'64 

Tenth Cavalry ^56S 

Second Battery =572 

Thirteenth Rattery '''"''■'' 

Mythic Joe's Address •^•'4 

Muskegon County "'l'- -''-^ 

Salt Well ^'2^ 

Muskegon 4- J 

North Plains l*^'-' 

Nelson '-'^ ' 

Newspaper, First 

Orleans ^ -^ 

Otisco ^211 

Orange ^"' 

Oakfield. 221 

Old Residents' Association ^^-'^ 

Ottawa County 41:!, 518 

Oiive 

Ottawa Homicides 

Odessa 



4S() 
n22 
Ho 



X CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Occupation, First 1 

Pewamo 78 

Portland 80 

Palo 121 

Paris 229 

Plainfield 285 

Polkton 502 

Persons (High Official) 535 

Population : 537 

Ronald '. 117 

Robinson ., 494 

Robinson's Pi-oelanuition 523 

Smyrna 130 

Sebewa - ■ -. •. 142 

Slater, L ••. • , 301 

Solon 241 

Sparta '• • • 243 

Spencer 248 

Salt Well (Muskegon ) . .• 525 

Senators and Repn scntatives •■ 5:15 

Tyrone • 251 

Talmadge 514 

Virginius 25;) 

Wright 505 

Wyoming 257 

Zeeland • 477 



MEMORIALS 

OF THE 

GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 



FIRST OCCUPATION. 

That the Grand River Yalle_y was explored Ly tlie French 
Indian Traders, we have authentic traditions. Michigan has 
long been known, and the two posts, Detroit and Mackinaw, 
have been occupied for a long time as the centers of the In- 
dian trade, and as military posts. Missionary stations and 
trading posts had been established before the region was open 
to actual settlers. So it was with the Grand Kiver Yalley. A 
mission station was establislied about 1825 on the west side of 
the river at Grand Eapids, under the care of the Ilev. Mr. 
■Slater; and two Indian Traders had located themselves among 
the Indians. Soon after the treaties had opened the land on 
the right baids: of the river to settlement, Slater and his band 
moved off. Their history is of little importance here, however 
interesting in itself. It left no permanent impression. The 
Indian Traders, too, might be passed by, were it not for the fact 
that they both became citizens, foremost in developing the 
region, when the white man took possession. Tliese traders 
were Ilix Kobinson and Lonis Campau. 

These Indian Traders were living on Indian sufferance; had 
no rights but such as were given by them, and by a license 
from the Government. There were until 1833, no white per- 
sons in the valley, except such as were connected with the 
Mission, or with the Indian trade. 



iJ MEMORIALS OF THE 

Bj common consent Kobinson and Campau are considered 
the pioneers; not merely as Indian Traders, bnt as settlers, 
and workers for the settlement and development of the Grand 
Riv^er region. As tliej will be more particnlarly spoken of 
in biographical articles, no more will be said of them in this 
connection. 

The settlers of 1833 are spoken of in connection with .the 
places 'where they located. The four points occupied that year 
were Ionia, Grand liapids, Grandville or Wyoming and 
Grand Haven. At first there was a diversity of opinion as to 
where the big town would be. Louis Campau and Lucius 
Lyon had ftiith in the Ilapids; secured land, and platted it; 
the one as "Grand Ilapids " and tlie other as " Kent." The 
settlers at Grandville had faith in their location; and there 
platted a city. Those who came to Ionia believed in land; 
and thought less of founding a city than of cultivating the 
soil. 

At and near Grand Itapids we at this time find the Cam- 
paus, and those in their employ. 

In 1833, and while the settlement M'as Louis Campau and 
his dependents, a young physician, Dr. Willson — a man whose 
name is held in singiilar-y afiTectionate remembrance — came to 
try his forLnne at the Tiapids. He was fresh from the schools, 
and brought nothing with him but his youthful wisdom and 
gentlemanly manner; and these were his passport to public 
confidence, and resulted in jDcrhaj^s the deepest and most 
affectionate respect ever felt for any person in the Yalley. All 
concur in pronouncing Dr. Willson a gentleman. Ko single 
voice has ever claimed for him less than that he was the ideal 
nobleman — gentle, agreeable, sympathizing, generous, intel- 
ligent, manly. He came poor and empty-lumded, without 
medicines or instruments, Mr. Campau liked the young man, 
and took him under his wing; bought for him a complete set 
of instruments and a stock of medicines. When the boxes 
came AVillson fairly danced with delight. There was the 
young Escula])ius fairly launched into practice among a pop- 
ulation of fifty persons. He died about twelve years after- 
wards, leaving a great blank — a dark, vacant spot in the 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 3 

Grand Eivcr Valley. The feeling witli wliicli the early set- 
tlers si")eak of liiui, shows how strong a hold he — the manly 
physician — had on the hearts of the people. May we have 
many more like him, and fewer of those sonlless qnacks, 
whose only object is to grow rich on the snfferings, or unnat- 
ural crime of the base, the ignorant or confiding. 

It has been said that the basis of civilization is the black- 
smith's anvil block. This much is certain : that man can 
make but little advance in the arts, or anything, that distin- 
guishes savage from civilized life, without the labor and skill 
of that artisan. The superiority of the Philistines over the 
Jews is manifest in this : the Jews had no sn/it/ts. The Uni- 
ted States, in their laudable endeavors to civilize the nomadic 
tribes on our frontiei's, do not send the cabinet maker and 
jeweler, Init the larmer and blacksmith. 

The first who placed liis anvil and bellows in the Grand 
Tiiver Valley, was A. D. W. Stout. His shop was at Grand 
Rapids, at the foot of Pearl street, where now stands the Opera 
House. There his bellows breathed its long-drawn sighs, 
and there he fashioned, first a Jish-sjyear, and afterwards the 
many diiferent articles demanded by the wants of the white 
man or the Indian. This Mr. Stout was afterwards one of the 
first settlers of Cannon. At the present WTiting (1876), he is 
living in Plainfield. Mr. Campau during this year put up 
some buildings ; built a pole-boat — the " Young ]N"apoleon ; " 
and the same year the Indian Mill was built, on the creek that 
enters the Grand Piver in the north part of the city on the 
west side. Its site was some 60 rods from the mouth of the 
stream. It was a small concern ; just the cheap mill appro- 
priate to the circumstances and time. It was of the old sash 
sav,', flutter-wheel pattern, capable of cutling 1,500 feet of 
boards in a day. The creek was dammed so as to make a 
pond ; and the stream being insufficient to run the mill con- 
tinually, it was operated by the pt)nd ; that is, when the pond 
was drawn down, stop until it was filled. The cheap run of 
stones put in that mill were a wonderful convenience to the 
inhabitants, as there was no chance for grinding elsewhere 
nearer than Gull Prairie. The, it is to be hoped, pej-petual 



4 MEMORIALS OF THE 

inemento of tliat mill is the horse-block of the Hon. John Ball. 
May no sacrilegious hand ever break up those stones. Let 
them do service in their present conspicuous place, with the 
addition, that they be inscribed, " The first in the G. R. Yal- 
ley. " They are among the few existing mementos of olden 
times. The last of the pioneer buildings has given way to 
somethinof better. The mill-stones mav be an historical monli- 
ment. Perhaps they may become as noted as the " Eock of 
Plymouth" — the " Blarney Stones" of Grand Rapids. There 
is this advantage in tavor of the Grand Rapids mill-stones : 
they are an entity, while the Rock of Plymouth is a non-entity. 
There is no rock at Plymouth, except some scattered boulders, 
but the poet liad sung — 

" The breakiiif^- waves clashed high 

On a stern anrl i-ock-bound coast; 
And the woods against the stormy sky 

Their giant branches tossed, 
And the heavy night hung dark 

The hills and waters o'er, 
When a band of exiles moored their bark 

On the wild New England's shore." 

Great was the dismay, in later times, of those who came as 
pilgrims to the spot where the May Flower pilgrims landed, 
to lind no " stern and rock-bound coast;" only a sandy beach. 
And looking for the woods, that tossed their giant l)ranches 
against the sky, they saw only sand barrens, with scarcely a 
shrub. Still, like Beecher's dog, Noble, they concluded, as it 
was poetically a stern and rock-bonnd coast, a roch ought to 
he there. That so much good poetry might not be spoiled, they 
found a boulder, and made \i poetiGallij the rock on which the 
pilgrims landed. 

We are under no such necessity in doing poetic justice to 
the Indian ]\I ill. The chain of evidence is complete. Many 
can bear witness to seeing the neglected stones, before Mi-. 
]jall, appreciating their historical importance, elevated them 
from their ol)SCurity by the side of the bi'ook.and i)laced them 
where they are seen of all. AVo to the man who shall remove 
them from that place, or break a fragment from those conse- 



GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 5 

crated stones. Such a wretcli would deserve to be talked to ! 
Let him be compelled to spend a year reading Tupper's 
poetry! If we knew a direr retribution, we would invoke it 
upon him. 

The same year Mr. Earrigau, since Bishop of the Lake Su- 
perior region, came on as a Catholic Missionary among the 
Lidians. He built on the right bank of the river, for a school 
house and chapel, what was afterwards known on the left bank 
as the " Yellow Store House." Earrigau, discouraged, Avent 
off; and Mr. Campau moved the building across the river on 
the ice. 

It will be seen that a beginning was fairly made in 1833. 
Five little l)ands of settlers were in the valley — at Lyons, 
Ionia, Grand Ilapids, Grand ville and Grand Haven. 

It may not be uninteresting to record how those pioneers per- 
formed their journey, and how they fared after their arrival. 
The onl}' roads were the Indian trails — mere foot-paths. With 
these for a guide, they cut the roads for their teams as they 
came along. They camped at night in the woods, and wei'e 
serenaded by the wolves. Arrived, they lived in huts, until 
they could build log cabins for the winter. Winter found 
them almost without food. Flour was not to be thought of 
Their life approximated to that of the savage. It was a strug- 
gle, not to enjoy life, but to live. If one had brought on 
provisions for his own family, his sympathies led him to 
divide with those who had not; and, in turn, the common 
liard fare was his. But the pioneer has faith and hope. The 
first year struggled through, they have food in store — and 
they are rich. 

If the incomer had located on land, he spent the winter in 
cutting down trees to browse his cattle, and to have a chance 
in the spring to put in a crop. 

Provisions had to be brought around the lakes, or packed in 
from the southern part of the State. Pork could be bought 
for §10 a barrel, potatoes for $J: a bushel, and flour was worth 
a shilling a pound. Those who came in a year or two after- 
wards, although their privations were many, had not the pio- 
neers' hard lot, and are not entitled to the pioneers' credit. The 



6 MEMORIALS OF THE 

lips of those old settlers curl with scorn, when we grumble at 
our food, or apologize for the poorness of our accommodations. 
Years afterwards, one of them, in tlie full enjoyment of com- 
petence, called at our humble residence. Like a fool, we 
apologized for the humility of our house. " You should see," 
said he, " the hrst liouse I lived in. Yours is a palace com- 
pared with it.-' We meekly stood reproved, and silently de- 
termined never to apologize again, unless we had done wi'ong; 
at the same time comforted with the thought, that the house, 
humble as it was, would be treated with respect by a gentle- 
man or huhjy and that what others thought, was matter of 
indifference. 

If you find youi'self cold, and Avithout shelter, a wigwam 
with a fire is a beautiful thing. If tired, a heap of boughs 
and a bear skin area delightful couch. If hungry, a hoe-cake 
is a feast. Good Christians may now enjoy their line houses, 
and the other appliances of wealth ; but with a particular 
thankfulness they revert to the "good old times" when they 
lived in a log-house, rode on an ox sled, did their own work, 
and beguiled their evenings with a Jew's-harp. It did them 
good to rougli it a while. They were better men, and better 
Avomen all their days from the discipline that tauglit them the 
value of simple things. 

But it must not be supposed that in this struggle for exist- 
ence, the pioneer Avore a sober face, or moved with tlie air of a 
convicted sinner. If such is your idea, Ave humbly beg you to 
be undeceived ; for a happier set, be they saint or sinner, do 
not exist, than those stray denizens of the wood. ''Behold a 
ncAV commandment I give unto you : that ye love one an- 
other." NoAvhere is the spirit of this so fully appreciated, as 
in the back-woods. The few are a community, in full frater- 
nity — each a sister or a brother. To the fullest extent they 
cultivate the social spirit. The hard Avork of the day done, 
the evening is for social enjoyment. A neighho7\ perhaps 
several miles off, is visited. The Avelcome to each other's house 
is hearty and demonstrative. There Is no aristocracy; they 
are all equals. They Avelcome Avith a cheer a new arrival ; 
and it is "Hurrah boys, to jnit him up a house." He soon 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. i 

linds tliat a neiglibor is a friend, worth a liundred of the thou- 
sand dear friend is he has left l)ehiiid ; wlio made use of him, 
hiughed at him beliind his back, and deserted when he needed 
a friend. The settler in the woods is a friend jnst Avhen a 
friend is good for something, in the day of tronble and the 
hour of need ; not a mere machine to help one consume his 
surplus provisions. 

Tliere are seasons of precious enjoyment for pious souls, 
and for those whose conversation is in things of this world. 
For the first, a stray preacher of the Gospel penetrates the 
wilderness, and to them " How beautifid are the feet of those 
M'ho herald the Gospel of peace! " All far and near are noti- 
fied that there will be a meeting. At the appointed place and 
time, all, saint and sinner, are present, and sit around the 
room in earnest ex])ectancy. The pi-eacher conducts the ser- 
vices; the hungry souls are fed; and they do not criticise. 
Their ears and hearts are open (that is, the pious ones), and 
they retire with souls refreshed. Small though the preacher 
may be, he is welcomed as a preacher of the Gospel; and his 
address is to them spiritual food. Should we find ourselves a 
]:>reacher of the Gospel, with talents too small to command a 
salary, we would scout on the frontiers of civilization, and 
preach to the settlers in the M'oods. We should be sure of 
l)eing appreciated at our highest worth. We should be cer- 
tain no one would goto sleep while Ave were holding forth; 
that the best corner in the cabin would be given us for our re- 
pose, and that our coffee would be half molasses — "none too 
sweet for the minister." 

Then, as it regards those who think more of this world than 
the next; they, too, have their hours of precious enjoynient. 
To the young man it is poetic, romantic and entrancing to 
yoke the oxen to the sled, and go to the jollification five miles 

distant, at the house of Mr. . There the lads and the 

lassies from near and far have met; "soft eyes, et cetera, and 
et cetera." Mr. E. lis, the fiddler is there, brought from Grand 
Rapids; and as his bow kisses the strings, light feet and heavy 
stogas respond in a hearty break-down. Did you ever dance 
like David, in the ecstacv of devotion? or, without devotion, in 



MEMORIALS OF THE 

the ecstacy of enjoyment? If so, you can appreciate a back- 
woods dance. Tliey have not the scientific cotillion, or the 
melancholy minuet. They don't know the steps, nor tlie calls; 
hut they do know that there is fun for boys and girls shaking 
themselves to the music of the violin; and they do enjoy the 
moonlio-lit ride; and the not <?ettino: home till mornino^. Don't 
pity them too much, you conventional denizens of cities. These 
back-woods rollickers pity you most contemptuously. Could 
you have one hour of their whole-hearted abandon, you \vould 
thereafter go to a fashionable formal party simply esteeming 
it a penance due to the sin of crushing out your better na- 
ture. 

But where are we? In the Grand Iliver Valley in the win- 
ter of 1833-4; ruralizing, meditating and pliiloso])hizing on 
the phases of humanity. Let ns come back from our general- 
ities, to Grand llapids in 1831:. Grand llapids will l)e consid- 
ered as a center, and not a town. The }:» resent city, made 
equally from two towns, cannot separate its history from them. 
Tlie center of the settlement was the village. 

1833 may be called the year of occupation. A few — a very 
few — had come in with reference to making homes for them- 
selves. The two years that succeeded Jiad the eti'ect to attract 
attention; people came with different designs. One of the 
first ideas was — make use of the water power. In 1831: Abra- 
ham S. Wadsworth, a capitalist, came in, and purchased a good 
deal of land at Grand Ilapids and Grand Haven. lie ex- 
pended his fortune in attempts to do business. Wadsworth 
is recollected by the pioneers, as a whole-hearted, noble fellow; 
too ardent for a business man, and too visionary to succeed. 
He did a good deal; but succeeded only in sinking his capital. 
At Grand Ilapids he built the second saw-mill. The recollec- 
tion now is that he Imilt it in 183-1. Its site was, where now 
is the Hotel at the corner of Canal and Pearl streets. A wing- 
dam was made to turn some of the water to the left bank. An 
immense reaction wheel was operated by about two feet head 
of water. The mill never did much, and soon became oidy a 
thing of memory. The march of improvement has there 
filled the river. The spot, howevei', will ever be historical. 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 9 

as will Wadswortli's visionary sclieuies; his labors and his 
failures. 

In 1835, N. O. Sargeant, who also meant business, came on, 
to sink capita], by doing business on a large scale. He had 
purchased an interest with Lyon in the Kent Plat. He came 
in with a posse of Irish to dig a mill-race. His entrance was 
an '' event " in the back-woods town. They entered the place 
with their picks and shovels on their shoulders; Crampton, a 
stout Hibernian, leading the van with his bugle, playing '' Hail 
Columbia" and the " Shamrock of Erin" in tlie "Erin go Unum 
E Pluribus Bragh" style, as a patriotic expression of Sargeant 
and his crew. Tliis Ci-ampton |)layed the same bugle on the 
lirst steamboat that ascended above the rapids. He afterwards 
became a thriving fai-mer in Ada. Old I^oon Day thought 
they were enemies* come to take " Wagoosh" (the Fox), as they 
called Mr. Canipau; and sent to him, offering his protection, 
and the aid of his band to drive out the invaders. Tlie canal 
was commenced by Sargeant, Bat he sold out to C. C. Caroll; 
and died a year or two after. 

The work went on under the name of the Kent Company. 
This company had great ideas; one of them was a monster 
mill, and another, a great hotel. The mill was to be a large 
flouring concern, and a saw mill witli one hundred saws. 
The company laid tlie foundation of the great hotel at the 
corner of Bridge and Canal streets The flouring mill was 
built, and the foundation, of the saw mill was laid. A 
"wing dam " was built, running diagonally half way across 
the river, turning the water through the "guard lock" into 
the canal, which was to supply the mill. The canal, enlarged, 
is the present left bank canal. The " wing dam " was near 
where the present dam crosses the river. The hotel and saw 
mill did not go up. Their grand enterprises were never real- 
ized. It is not to be recorded to the reproach of the Kent 
Co. that they failed. Who did not fail about that time? Kone 
felt the darkness of those times more than the inhabitants of 
pioneer villages. The Kent Co. made a good beginning; and, 
thoui>-h they f:iiled to cany out their great designs, they gave 
Grand Rapids a start, and left as the mementos of the ex- 



10 MEMORIALS OF THE 

istence of the coiripany, tlie canal and t\\e flouring mill, long, 
and still known as the "Big Mill." 

\t this time there was a montlily mail to Kalamazoo. 

Jefferson Morrison and James Lyman and his brother came 
on to do business as traders. ]\forrison brought the first 
stock of goods for " white folks" — in value about $1,500. This 
store was at the foot of Monroe street. Lyman's store was 
on AVaterloo street. 

In 1836, liichard Godfrey bnilt the first steamboat, tlie 
"Gov. Mason." It was commanded by Capt. Kanouse. On 
its first trip down the river, Capt. Stoddard had cliarge of it. 
This Capt. Stoddard, who first run a steamboat on the Grand 
Eiver, died in Barry county, in 1854. In 1838, the Gov. Mason 
was wrecked off the mouth of tlie Muskegon riv^er. 

The next vear — 1837 — was amonjr other things signalized 
1)y the starting of a miserable abortion of a steamboat above 
the Rapids. It was bnilt by John Lloyd and others, and called 
the " John Almy." The Judge did not long enjoy the distin- 
guished honor, for tlie l)oat never lived to do honor to him or 
its builder. It did indeed go up the river, Cram]iton waking 
the echoes of the woods with his lingle, and causing a few 
squirrels to climb a little niglier the tree-tops; but she never 
C()ni])Ieted her journey. AVlien she had got as far as the moutli 
of the Flat Biver, it became evident that her builder had mis- 
taken her element; and had not thought of fitting her for 
swimming in the water. She sunk, and the men waded 
ashore. 

In 183-4, Joel Guild put u]i a building at the foot of Bearl 
street, where now stands the National Bank building; and occu- 
])icd it as a boarding house and place of entertainment. About 
tlie same time Bichard Godfrey built a store house some dis- 
tance below Pearl Street Bridge. Mr. Guild took up land three 
miles north of the city. lie died in 1855. 

In 183'i-5, arrived Eliphalet and Isaac Turner, Ezekiel Da- 
vis, Ezra, Lewis and Porter Beed, Joseph Marion (the first 
carpenter), Lewis Moran, the Bingnotte brothers (the first 

shoemakers), Xorth (the first millwright), AVm. God- . 

fro}' (the first tavern keejier). 



GRAND KITER VALLEY. 11 

1S35 closed witli a resident population of from 75 to 100, at 
and aronnd Grand Kapids. The next year the influx of people 
was great; and the spirit of speculation was rife, not only at 
tliat place but along the river. For a view of the place and 
of the valley in general, at the time selected as the bursting of 
the bubble, the reader is referred to the article of ]\Ir. Ball. 
Some particulars will be noticed in addition. 

GETTING EXTRAVAGANT. 

In 1836, Jefferson Morrison, having been successful in busi- 
ness, having been elected Judge of Probate, and, more than 
all, being about to get married — h^iilt him a house. He ever 
afterwards, with tears of humble penitence, called it "Morri- 
son's Folly." Everything was high, but he must have a tine 
house; so a house he built; finished it in style, and seriously 
embarrassed himself by so doing; run himself in debt $5,000. 
This house was near the junction of Monroe and Ottawa streets, 
whei-e now stands a block of stores. To show the change in 
the fancy value of real estate: he sold that house to Mr. Cam- 
pau for $6,000, and took his pay in lots at $1,500 each; and 
which, in the crash that followed, he could hardly sell for $150. 
This same house, as good as new, was afterwards bought by 
Capt. Gunnison for $700. Time did not work a greater change 
in the valuation of that property, than it did in the other real 
estate. 

In 1837, the first newspaper in the Yalley was started — tlie 
Grand River Times. It was edited by George W. Pattison, 
who was also its proprietor. The first impression of it is pre- 
sumed to be in existence now. That impression Avas made on 
cloth, and ])resented to Louis Campau, and always by him 
sacredly preserved. In that paper, bearing date "April IStli, 
1837," the editor announces his intentions in a modest saluta- 
tory, and states that the regular issue will be deferred until 
the 29tli. It was then an enterprise to issue that sheet. The 
place was a mushroom frontier village, and Pattison had no 
golden prospects before him, Avhen he sent out Ins comely lit- 
tle sheet. The leadino; article is here given: 



12 memorials of the 

"The Rochester of Michigan " in 1837. 

[From the Grand River Times, April IS, 1SG7.] 

Though young in its improvements, the site of this village has long been 
known and esteemed for its natural advantages. It was ]iere that the Indian 
Tradei's long since made their grand depot. It was at this point that the 
missionary herald established his institution of learning — taught the forest 
child the beauty of civilization, and inestimable benefits of the Christian re- 
ligion. This has been the choicest, dearest spot to the unfortunate Indian, 
and noic is the pride of the white man. Like other villages of the West, its 
transition from the savage to a civilized state, has been as sudden, as its 
prospects are now fl ittering. 

Who would have believed, to have visited this place two years since, when 
it was only inhabited by n few families, most of whom were of French origin, 
a, people so eminent for exploring the wilds and meandering rivers, that 
//«/s place would now contain its twelve hundred inhabitants? Who would 
have .imagined that thus rapid would have been the improveinent of this 
romantic place'? The rapidity of its settlement is beyond the most visionary 
anticipation; but its location, its advantages, and its clime, were sufficient to 
satisfy the observing mind, that nothing but the frown of Providence could 
blast its prospects ! 

The river upon which this town is situated, is one of the most important 
and delightful to be found in the country — not important and beautiful alone 
for its clear, silver-hke water windiug its way through a romantic valley of 
some hundred miles, but for its width and depth, its susceptibility for steam 
na\ngation, and the immense hydraulic power attbrded, at this point. 

We feel deeply indebted to our Milwaukee friends for their lucid descrip- 
tion of the advantages to be derived from a connection of tlie waters of this 
river with those of Detroit, by canal or railroad. A canal is nearly completed 
around the Rapids at this place, sutficiently large to admit boats to pass up 
and down, with but little detention. Several steamboats are now preparing 
to commence regular trips from Lyons, at the mouth of the Maple River, to 
this place, a distance of sixty miles; and from this to Grand Haven, a dis- 
tance of thirty-five or forty miles; thence to Milwaukee and Chicago. 

Thus the village of Grand Rapids, with a navigable stream — a water power 
of twenty-five feet fall — an abundance of crude building materials — stone of 
excellent quahty — pine, oak and other timber in immense quantities within 
its vicinity, can but flourish — can but be the Rochester of Michigan ! The 
basement story of an extensive mill, one hundred and sixty by forty feet, is 
now completed; a part of the extci.sive machinery is soon to be put in ope- 
ration. There are now several dry good and grocery stores — some three or 
four public houses — one large church erected, and soon to be finished in good 
style, upon the expense of a single individual, who commenced business a 
few years ago. by a small traffic with the Indians. Such is the encourage- 
ment to Western pioneers! The village plat is upon a bold bank of the river, 
extending liack upon an m-egular plain, some eighty to a hundred rods, to 
rising bluffs, from the base and sides of which some of the most pure, crystal- 
like fountains of water burst out in boiling springs, pouring forth streams 
that n^urnuir over their peblily bottoms, at once a delight to the eye, and an 
invaluable luxury to the thirsty palate. 

New England may suqiass this place with her lofty mountains, bnt not 
with her greatest boast — purity and clearness of water. Our soil is sandy, 
and mostly dry. The town is delightful, whetiier you view it fi'om the plain, 
upon the banks of the river, or from the bluffs that overlook the whole sur- 
rounding country. To ascend these bluffs, you take a gradual rise to the 
height of a hundred feet, when the horizon only limits the extent of vision. 
The scenery to an admirer of beautiful landscape is truly picturesque and ro- 



GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 13 

maiitic. Back, east of the town, is seen a wide-spread plain of bnrr-oak, at 
once easy to cultivate, and inviting- to the agriculturalist. Turning- west- 
ward, especially at the setting- of the sun, you behold the most enchanting- 
]irospect — the din of the ville below — the broad sheet of water murmur- 
ing over the Bapids — the sunbeams dancing upon its swift gliding- ripples — 
the glassy river at last losing- itself in its distant meanderings, presents a- 
scenery that awakes the most lively emotions. But the opposite shore, upon 
which you behold a rich, fertile plain, still claims- no small amount of admira- 
tion. Near the bank of the river is seen the little rude village of the more 
civilized Indians — their uncouth framed dwellings^their little churches and 
their mound-Uke burying places. The number and size of the mounds which 
mark the spot where lies the remains of the j)roud warrior, and the more 
humble of his untamed tribe, too plainly tell the endearments of that lovely 
plain to the native aborigines, and how quick the mind will follow the train 
of associations to by-gone days, and contrast these reflections with present 
appearances. Thus we see the scenes of savage life, quickly spread ujion 
the broad canvas of the imagination^-the proud chieftain seated, and his 
tribe surrounding the council fires — the merry war-dance — the wild amuse- 
ments of the "red man of the forest," and as soon think of their present 
unhappy condition ; the bi'ight flame of their lighted piles has been extin- 
guished, and with it has faded the keen, expressive brilliancy of the wild 
man's eye! Their lovely ]i\(slifciu(jirf, u])oa which their light canoes have 
so long glided, is now almost deserted! 

It is from this point, too, that you can see in the distanc3 the evergi-een 
tops of the lofty pine, waving in majesty above the sturdy oak. the beech 
and maple, presenting to the eye a wild, undulating plain, with its thousand 
charms. Such is the location, the boauties and the advantages of this youth- 
ful town. The citizens are of the most intelligent, enterprising- and indus- 
trious character. Their building-s are laro-e, tasty and handsomely furnished ' 
— the clatter of mallet and chisel— the clink of hammei-s— t le tiKnii/ newly 
raised and recently covered frames — and the few skeleton boats upon the 
wharves of the river, sp?ak loudly for the enterprise of the place! Mechan- 
ics of all lands find abundance of employ, and reap a rich reward for theii- 
lal)or. Village property advances in value, and the pirospect of wealth is 
alike flattering- to all! What the result of such advantages and prospect.s 
will be, tiuie alone must determine. 

But a view of this place and its vicinity, where we find a rich and fcriile 
soil, watered with the best of spring-s. and enjoying as we do a salubrious 
climate, a healthful atmosphere, and the choices^ gifts of a benign Benefac- 
tor, would satisfy almost any one that this will soon be a bright star in the 
constellation of Western villages. Such, gentle reader, is a faiut description 
of the place from which our paper hails — from which, we hope, will emanate 
matter as pleasing and interesting, as the town is boautiful aud inviting ! 



BALLS STATEMENT. 

The following eoiniinnrJeation was sent l)j the Hon. John 
Ball to the " Old Settlers' Association." Being a man who 
has always moved with his eyes in his head, it is specially val- 
nabl'^. To relieve it from the charge of egotism, it is but 
proper to say, that the design of the commnnication was to 
give a sketch of liis own personal relations to the Grand Tiiver 
Yalley in early times; 



H MEMOEIALS OF THE 

" Having resided some 3'ears at Troy and Lansingburg, N. 
Y., in that year of speculation, 1836, 1 entered into a contract 
\vith Dr. T.' C. Brinsmaid, Dr. F. B. Leonard, Mr. J. E. Whip- 
ple, and a Mr. Webster, of those places, to go West, and in- 
vest for them, on speculation, so much money as they would 
supply, for / had none. The talk M'as, some sixty or eighty 
thousand dollars; but, from the change of times, it ended at 
about ten thousand. I was to operate in any of the Western 
(not slave) States; buy and sell in my own name, and receive 
lor my services one-fourth of the ])rofits. So, in September of 
that year I leflt Troy, and came to Detroit. Tliere I was ofl'ered 
city property, but prices seeming h.igh, I concluded that gov- 
ernment broad acres would be a surer thing than cornei'-lots. 
From what I learned there and what I had learned before, I 
made up my mind that the Grand Kiver district was the 
promised land, or at least the most ^''^'omising one for my 
operations. So I purchased a horse, and mounting him, I 
started out through mud which I found so deep that I was 
unable to trot him until I got to Ypsilanti. I reached Ann 
Arbor the first day, where I fell in with some I^ew York State 
acquaintances, traveling the same way. The next day we 
arrived at Jacksonburg (as it was then called), and the next at 

Jonisr Ball. 

Mr. Ball was born in a little log cabin on Tenney's Hill, in Hebron, N. H., 
Nov. 12, 1794. He was the youngest often children. His early years were 
passed out of society, with no school advantages except such as were aiforded 
by a winter school of al^out two months. Liking books better than hard 
work on the farm, and feeling that if he had a chance he could be something 
more than a poor plodding being, he became impatient, and importuned his 
father to let him go away to school. Consent was obtained, and for a time 
he studied with a clergyman, who had a few pupils. Here he pursued Eng- 
lish studies with great diligence, so that alter a few months his teacher S3t 
him to studying Latin. 

Religiously trained at home, he, at the early ago of twelve years, became 
skeptical, thoughtful and an independent thinker. He must see and realize 
ibr himself. The result has been with him as with thousands of others not 
anchored in unquestioning faith, he has ever been the prey of doubts and 
fears — uncertain, as all will be, who, by searching, try to find out God. 
Under the kindly encouragement of his teachiT, he resolved to concentrate 
ail his energies upon the one groat object — an education. He fitted for col- 



GRAND lilVEE VALLEY. 15 

Marshall. From there, going to Kalamazoo, I met for the 
first time one Mr. Robei-t S. Parks. I then urged my friends 
to continue their journey with me north, but they declined, 
saying they were unwilling to risk their lives and health by 
going any further into the woods. Having roughed it some 
before that time, it sounded to me rather unmanly. Having 
bid good-bye to my traveling companions, the next day I 
mounted my pony and started, without any special fear and 
trembling, alone. 

When I left Troy, at the urgent request of my friends I pur- 
chased a pair of pistols, and put them in my trunlt. I left 
them in my trunk at Detroit, not wishing the trouble of carry- 
ing them, though I had considerable gold in my saddlebags. 
Everybody then carried money, and traveled on highways and 
bj^-ways; stopped l)y dozens in the same log cabins, and slept 
in the same common garret; thrusting their saddlebags and 
packages loosely under their beds, and perhaps leaving them 
there for days, though heavy with specie— for then only specie 
bought government lands. Still there were no robberies heard 
of. Kevertheless, it must be confessed, in bargaining, people 
did not always show themselves saints without guile. 

I came on through Gull Prairie, where were a few settlers; 
and found no more until I arrived at Yankee Springs. There 
I stopped and enjoyed Lewis' rousing fire, and partook of his 

leg-e at Salisbury Academy, living- in the most economical way, and support- 
ing himself as best he could. He entered Dartmouth College, and like 
thousands of other poor, but energetic boys, icent through, helping himself 
by teaching and work, and by the backing of some friends. And here let 
the writer say, that any young man who has a mind tvorth educating-, can 
educate himself. His character and his energy will open the way. Knowl- 
edge is not locked from the iwoy; it is from the indifferent. 

After graduating, he went to Lansingburg, N. Y., where he taught school 
— studied law for two years. Then he started out to seek his fortune; went 
to Darien, Geovgia. Was wrecked on the passage, but fortunately all but 
one got ashore with their lives. At Darien he kept a private school. The 
next summer he returned to New York, resumed the study of law; and 
in due time was admitted to practice. 

He was soon after elected Justice of the Peace at Lansingburg. The 
death of his brother-in-law necessitated the abandonment of lejal practice, 
and his ch.-votion to the interests of the estate for tvv'o years. 



16 MEMORIALS OF THE 

wife's good cheer, as many of you have done. Continuing my 
journey, the next day I came to Mr. Leonard's, oh. tlie Thorn - 
apj^le, and observing some books drying in the sun, I was in- 
formed tliat the day before the stage wagon had spilled its bag- 
gage while crossing the river, and that the trunk containing 
these books was not at the time recovered; that it belonged to 
a Mr. Johnson, a lawyer, who was bound to Grand Ilapids. Tliis 
was Simeon Johnson, whom every old settler well remembers. 
I forded the river without wetting my boots. But then I did 
not go through that deep hole into which some sinners, for 
sport, one time led their fellow travelers. 

Being bound for Ionia, on arriving at the McTN^aughton 
place, on the Little Thornapple, I took wdiat was called the 
Hat River trail, which led to the Grand River at what is now 
Lowell. Arriving there, I stopjjed with Mr. Marsac, an In- 
dian Trader, brother of our late worthy Mrs. Louis Campau. 
This was my arrival in the Grand River Yalley, and the l4th 
day of October, 1836. Marsac and the Robinsons, at the 
mouth of the Thornapple, were the only people between Grand 
Rapids and Ionia. Bat soon after, Lewis Rolnnson settled at 
the mouth of Flat River, and Mr. Daniels and others in Yer- 
gennes. 

The next day I went np the trail on the north side of the 
river to Ionia, and j^ut up with Mr. Yeomans, since known as 

Free once more, witli a restless longing to visit other regions, in conjunc- 
tion with a gentleman from Boston, he set ont in the spring- of 183j{, for 
Oregon. On their overland journey they joined a party of mountain fur-traders 
-at Independence. In this route, Mr. Ball passed over the same' region that 
Fremont had the honor of exploring ten years hxter. On his return, at the re- 
quest of Prof. Silliman, he gave the result of liis observations in a series of 
articles in the Journal of Science. These articles were considered an impor- 
tant contribution to geographical science. Mr. Ball has not, as he should 
have done, vindicated liis priority to Fremont. 

He spent a year in Washington Territory, in the winter teaching the half- 
breeds at Fort Vancouver, and the next summer in starting a farm. He got 
tired of farming, sold his crops to the fur company, went to California, and 
from there to the Sandwich Islands — " Restless ever; ever roving." 

Having seen what was worth seeing among the Islands of the Pacific, 
cruising awhile on a whaler, he turned himself homeward, and wo find 
him soon in the Grand River Valley. 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 17 

'• Jiido-e," who was then livhio; in his oriii-inal cabin. There I 
ao-ain met with Mr. Parks, and, as was no nnusual tiling then, 
occupied the same common room or chamber with liim and 
Ins wife. There were many visiting the h^nd office there, so 
every lionse and phice was full, and there were so man}' pur- 
chasers, that Mr. Hutchinson, the receiver, soon took in silver 
to the amonnt of his bail, and had to shut np the office, and 
cart the silver through the woods to Detroit. 

Having nothing else to do, a fellow boarder, Mr. Anderson, 
and myself mounted our horses, and put out to look for pine 
lands dow^n in Ottawa, and came the first day to Grand Rapids. 
This was my hrst visit. We put np at the Eagle Tavern, then 
the only one in the place, and kept by AVm. Godfroy. It was 
then November, the nights cold, the house not plastered, the 
honse fnll — two in a bed. AVlien the lights were ont, I heard 
from all quarters, bitter complaints of bed fellows that they 
pulled the clothes off; not just nnderstanding that the cover- 
ings being narrow Indian blankets, if a man covered himself, 
he uncovered his neighbor. I rather enjoyed the complaining. 

The next morning we rode down toGrandville before break- 
fast. There being no tavern, we were directed to Mr. Charles 
Oakes for accommodations. They answered that they could 
feed our horses, but not us; but after urging our necessities, 
Mrs. Oakes was moved to compassion, and gave us a cup of 

As his history subsequently is given in the valuable contribution from 
his pen on the early times, which here appears, we will summarily dismiss 
Mr. Ball. 

• He has gone through a long life with his eyes open; has traveled exten- 
sively in Europe and America; has been a close observer of men and of na- 
ture; has in an uncommon degree won the confidence of those who have 
known him, and now at the advanced age of 82, is erect and athlectic in per- 
son, and with intellectual powers unshaken by age, is still the careful ob- 
server and student of nature. 

He has always been characterized by the youthfulness of his feelings, and 
by his love for, and interest in, the young. With them he has always been 
the genial associate and wise counsellor. Known as " Honest John Ball,' 
he has made his mark on the financial, social, educational and moral interests 
of the Grand River Valley. He, in independent, cheerful age, is biding his 
time. He has the happiness of knowing that he is appreciated, and of feel- 
ing that he has good years of life still before him. 

2 



18 MEMORIALS OF THE 

good coffee. But then we wanted something to carry into tlie 
woods, and were told that there was nothing to be had in the 
vilhige; but that on our way a Mr, Ketcliuni was building a 
mill, and there we could get plenty. But on arriving there, 
where Jennison's planing mill now is, they informed ns that 
all they had was some flour and beef. So we waited until they 
baked a loaf of bread, wliieh wo took, and some of the uncooked 
beef; put into the woods, and took our course to a point where 
we had some vague information there was pine timber. This 
bronglit us, at dark, into the south part of what is now the 
town of Blendon, and we camped on a branch of the Black 
lliver. During tlie night, we heard the deer tramping about 
us in the leaves, attracted, probably, by the fire; and the wolves, 
as usual, howling in the distance. The next morning we ex- 
plored about for a time, but not finding what we were looking 
for, we turned to come out, for we had taken but one day's pro- 
visions. But after a time we found ourselves in the midst of 
a fine tract of pine timber, and immediately turned away to see 
its extent, and under the excitement kept on until dark. Then 
we lay down without supper, in order to have something for 
breakfast. On waking in the morning, we found our blankets 
covered with snow, and being still in the pines, we were unwil- 
ling to give it uj) until we had explored still further. We 
finally struck down towards the river, expecting to find some 
road leading out, but there was none. We met some Indians 
on the rlvei-, and offered them three dollars to bring us up to 
(xrandville in their canoes. But they declined, and we tramped 
on, over l)hiffs and through swamps, till dark; kindled afire 
with our last match, and lay down, hungry and weary. The 
next morning we got out to Grandville about 9 o'clock, and 
succeeded in o-ettino: sonicthiuii: to eat, notwithstandino; the 
scarcity. As yet nothing had been raised in Kent couut_y oi- 
Ottawa, and nothing like a supply in Ionia; and all had to lie 
brought by way of the Lakes from Buffalo or Cleveland. But 
we had not explored the hinds minutely enough for purchasing. 
So, a short time after, my man, his son and myself, with a tent 
and better outfit, went in ngain, and spent two or three days, 
(riving them quite a bonus for their interest in the lands, I 



GRAND RIVER VALLF.Y. 19 

entered the whole tract, 41 eiglity-aere lots, in my own name — - 
the same lands from which the Biendon Company, long after- 
wards, Inmbered. This company were the Messrs. Brinsmaid. 
Leonard and Whipple, mentioned before as fnrnishing the cap- 
ital with wliich I operated. Finding the prospects of profit so 
small, Iliad before given them a deed of the lands, charging 
nothing for my services. Speculation Xo. 1. 

I was little at Grand Rapids the iirst fall and winter I was 
in the State. Bnt at one time, when there, I went up through 
the mud and among the stumps, to Bridge street, where Mr. 
Coggershall lived, and met a man at an office west of his house, 
and asked him the price of lots. He — it was Judge Almy — 
answered, that on Canal and Kent streets they were $50 a 
front foot, or $2,500 a lot. I did not invest, and made no fnr- 
tlier inquiry about lots in Grand Rapids. 

One time, in the w'inter, I was at Grandville, wishing to 
look for lands farther down the river, a Mr. White and some 
other Grand Haven men there invited me to go down the river 
on the ice with them. They had a cutter, and the ice being 
smooth, we all rode. Arriving at Grand Haven, I stopj^ed at 
Mr. Lidce White's, where I got acquainted with T. D. Gilbert, 
Esq., Rev. Mr. Ferry, Mr. Troop, Capt. White, and most of 
the then few inhabitants of the ]3lace. I then employed a 
half-breed man, a brother of Mrs. Oakes, to go with me into the 
woods, thongli it was inid-winter and the snow knee-deep. 
We went ont sonth, to and up the creek that tails into Port 
Sheldon Lake, and so, about the woods for four or five days, 
and came ont at the mouth of the Bass River. When night 
came on, we encam])ed in the lee of some fallen tree, scraped 
away the snow, collected hemlock boughs for a bed, luiilt up a 
rousing fire, and made ourselves very comfortable. But it was 
by the skill of my companion, for he was an old hunter, and 
knew well how to make camp. But I found no land that I 
thought it an object to purchase, so I came up to Grandville, 
and went out into what is now Byron. When there, Mr. IS'a- 
than Boynton, with his brothers. Perry and William, as board- 
ers, were the only inhabitants. There I found some 1,000 
acres of irood farmina: land, which I bono-ht. I think Mr. Os- 



20 MEMORIALS OF THE 

good and Mr. Blake liad then came to Grandville, and were 
keeping the first tavern there. 

I passed part of the winter at Detroit, going and returning 
hy difterent routes. One time I went directly south from 
Ionia, on a trail to Marshall, passing through Vermoutville 
and Bellevue; stopped at the former place over night, finding- 
there only three families. At Detroit I met Capt. Victor 
Harris, and told him about the Grand River country. Gov. 
Mason, Mr. Schoolcraft, with his half-breed wife, and many 
members of the Legislature, boarded at the American, where 
1 had taken up my quarters. Judge Almy was the member 
from the Grand River district. 

They legislated boldly that winter; passed the law for mak- 
ing the $5,000,000 loan; for the survey of three railroads and 
two canals across the State; and the general wild-cat banking 
law. 

One day I was walking along Jefferson avenue, and over- 
took two boys talking, and there was the discharge of a cannon. 
One boy said to the other, " Now, Michigan is a State." And 
so it was. They were firing at the news of its admission, 
just from Washington. This was in February. But though 
just admitted, it had been running on its own account from 
October, 1835; had had the Toledo war, and all that. Finally 
she submitted, and took the Uj^per Peninsula. 

I returned by what was called the " Northern Route;" found 
Pontiac a little village. They were building a mill at Fenton. 
Elisha AYilliams was the only man in Shiawassee county, and 
Scott in Clinton. So it was a day's journey from house to 
house. From Scott's there was a trail direct to Lyons, through 
the dense timber, 25 miles, and another road by Portland, where 
there were a few families. I well recollect finding very com- 
fortable cpiarters in the tavei-n at Lyons, kept by Judge Lyon. 
One day, coming from Ionia, I was intending to stop at Mr. 
Edward Robinson's, but, from the snow drifted on the open 
Indian fields, lost my track, and turned back to a shanty 
wliere some men were building a block house, which was 
afterwards the tavern of Ada. They very kindly invited me to 
stop with them, saying they could put my horse in the shed. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 21 

and could give me lodgings; and thus I sliould be the first 
traveler stopping at a public house in that place. One of 
these persons was Mr. Burnett. I traveled all winter on 
horse-back. Although the sleighing was good, I did not trust 
its continuance. 

Mj business had led me to travel much up and down the 
Grand River country, and I had become more acquainted with 
the people elsewhere than at Grand Rapids. But in the spring 
of 1837, 1 sat down at Grand Rapids to make it mv permanent 
home. I boarded at the Eagle, then kept by our late Mr. 
Moran. The threa brothers Kelson were boarders, and had a 
store opposite. Being a little suspicious of Indian sugar, they 
used to brina: su<i:ar from the store for their tea and coffee. 
Charles Taylor had his shop over their store, and Ilorsford 
Smith liad a store further down the street. AVaterloo was 
then rather the business street. Tiiere were two warehouses 
on the river below, and two at the foot of Monroe street. 
Uncle Louis Campau's mansion is still a part of the Rathbuii 
House. Richard Godfrey had a like house where the Catlio- 
lic church was built (the sad fate of tliat house is elsewhere 
noted), and Myron ITinsdill lived where is now the Morton 
House. There was also a building on the north side of Mon- 
roe street, in which Drs. Willson and Shepard had their office. 
and Esquire Beebe (I think) his justice office. Dea. Page, 
with his three beautiful daughters, Mrs. Richmond one of 
them, and Judge Almy, lived Avhere Butterworth & Lowe's 
machine shop now is; and A. D. Rathbun had a shanty office 
near Bronson street. 

Though there were but few houses, there were a good many 
people. There were the brothers Lyman, and Edward Emerson, 
and then, or soon after, one Fuller. I cannot say precisely 
who were in Grand Rapids, as they were coming in fast, and 
all full of hope for a continuance of good money-making 
times that would make all rich. The citizens were friendly 
and social; a stranger was kindly welcomed, and all soon be- 
came acquainted. Quite a number of us who well recollect 
those good old times, are still here. 

There were many others. Mr. Thompson was the first 



22 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

keeper of the Bridge Street House, and tlieu Gen. AVithey. 
Wni. Richmond was clerk of the Kent Company. Mr. Cal- 
der had a store near Mr. Coggershall's ; Ed. Emerson, one on 
Canal street; and many French people had followed Uncle 
Louis — the Godfroys, Mr. Marion, and many mechanics, who, 
after the change of times, went to St. Louis and other ])arts. 

The settlers out of the village were Judge Davis, and the 
Heeds out by the lake; Alvan Wansley, the Messrs. Guild and 
Burton, by the Fair Grounds; Esquires Gliul)b and Ilowlett 
toM'ards Grandville; and then, over tlie river, Mr. E. Turner, 
Capt. Sibley, the Messrs. Davis, and afterwards, Mr. Scribner. 

Others had gone upon the lately purchased Indian lands, 
and soon many more came in, and Aveut upon the unsurveyed 
lands north of the Grand River. 

There was no grist mill this side of one near Gull Prairie, 
nor was there need of any; for the little grain raised, whether 
wheat or oats, was bought up for horse feed, at $2 per bushel. 
There was a saw mill about where Sweet's Flotel now stands; 
one where the plaster mill stands, at Plaster Creek, and the In- 
dian Mill, on Indian Mill Creek. They did put into the last 
named mill a run of granite stones to crack corn, and the like. 
At a later day, coining in 2)ossession of tliat lyvoperty after 
the mill had disappeared, I removed these stones to the front 
of my house, where they are an historical horse-block. 

The Indians still lived on the west side of the river, and 
planted large fields of corn. They had a little church and a 
priest — the simple-hearted and good Yizoski. Horace Grey 
and his brother Lyman were also here; and that spring Horace 
and I w'ent down the river to Grand Haven in a kind of keel- 
boat, sailed by Capt. Sibley, and propelled by the current. We 
walked down the lake shore to Muskegon, M'here were then 
living only Mr. Lasley and Mr. Trottier (called Trucky), In- 
dian Traders. Martin Ryerson, the last time I saw him, told 
me Jie was then clerk of Trottier, at 8^ per nu:)nth. On oui- 
return up the river, we came as far as Yeomans (Lanu^nt) in a 
little "dug-out" canoe, as big as a clam-shell. Stoj)ping over 
night, we concluded that it would he easier to foot it up through 
the woods than to paddle the canoe around by the river. On 



GKAXD RIVER VALLEY. 23 

our way, who should we meet hut Capt. Victor Harris, who 
said he had come out to the Grand Kiver on my recommenda- 
tion of the country when he met me in Detroit. 

That s])ring there was great activity in business here and 
all over the country, and an expectation of a continuance of 
the good times. But, as unexpected as a sudden thunder-storm, 
a clmnge came over the country. The New York Legishiture 
])assed a hiw authorizing the banks to suspend specie payment; 
and Gov. Mason convened ours for the same purpose. At that 
extra session they not only authorized the banks then in opera- 
tion to suspend, but also such banks as should go into operation 
nnder the general banking law lately passed; which resulted in 
the killing of 40 wild-cat banks. 

When I left Detroit in April, all was ho2:>e and expectation 
of as good a season for speculation as the preceding one; but 
when there again in June, all the plats of choice lands and 
villages were removed from the walls of the hotels and public 
places, and all faces had so changed that one could hardly rec- 
ognize his acquaintances; and it was taken as an insult for one 
to speak of land operations. But we were so deep in the woods 
that we did not seem to realize, for some time, the great change 
that had come over the rest of the world. 

Among the Grand Rapids' enterprises, a steamboat liad 
been bought at Toledo to run on the Grand River. But on 
the way it was wrecked on Thunder Bay Island, of Lake Hu- 
ron. But the engine was saved and brought around, and Mr. 
Richard Godfrey built a boat, which inade its first trip down 
to Grandville on the 4th of July. We had quite a celebra- 
tion; an oration on the boat, and great rejoicing generally on 
that account. 

Though I met no one in the Grand River Valley —ho had ever 
seen me before I came into the State, still, strangci , , they nom- 
inated and elected me to the Legislature, to represent the Grand 
River district, consisting of Ottawa, Kent, Ionia and Clinton 
counties. Almy and some others were aspirants, and had their 
friends, still, my nomination was almost unanimous. Capt. 
Stoddard (captain of the steamboat), a brother-in-law of Mr. 
Bostwick, was the W^hig candidate; a worthy man, v.'ho lived 
afterwards at Charlotte. 



24 MEMORIALS OF THE 

There were then the two tavei-ns — the Bridge Street and the 
Eagle. The convention was held at the Bridge Street Honse, 
and 1 was boarding at the Eagle. In the evening who should 
arrive but the Hon. C. C. Woodbridge, the Whig candidate 
for Governor — out canvassing. He was acquainted witli the 
landhidj, Mrs. Moran, and she introduced nie to him. lie 
inquired of me for his friends — Messrs. Henry, Bostwick and 
Stoddard. So, after he had taken his supper, I sh(jwed hi in 
where thej lived. Tlie gentlemen being out, I introduced him 
to the ladies. The next morning, on meeting Mr. Trowbridge, 
he expressed, as well he might, his sui'prise at seeing in the 
backwoods such a circle of accomplished ladies; and, also, that 
a political opponent should have been so civil to him. 

There were but hve places of holding the polls — there being 
but five organized tovv'nships in the four counties. In Kent 
county, Byron and Kent; in Ionia county, Ionia and Maple; 
and in Clinton county, DeWitt. The election was held at the 
Bridge Street Hotel. All the voters of Ottawa county came 
up on the steamboat, and, in a line, inarched to the polls. I 
was elected by a large majority, and in January, 1838, went to 
Detroit on horseback. The going was very ba'.i, for tliere had 
been heavy rains and snow. At Detroit I put up at the Na- 
tional, now the Kussell House. 

The great questions before the Legislature that winter, were 
the location of the railroads, and the amount to be expended on 
each road. For the improvement of the Grand and Maple 
llivers, $30,000 was appropriated, whicli was ap])lied to im- 
])roving the harbor at Grand Eapids, clearing out the rivei- 
channel at the foot of Monroe street, and removing the sunken 
logs all the Avay up the river to Lyons. Several towns were 
organized. In OtI-awa, Ottawa, Georgetown and Talmadge; 
in Kknt, Grand Kapids, Paris, Walker, Plainfield, Ada and 
Vergennes. Some titles M'ere given in the militaiyline: Gen. 
AVithey and Col. Finney. ll\\ Ilol)inson was made one of tlie 
live internal improvement commissioners. Thei-e was a law 
passed authorizing Ivent county to Ix^i-row money to build a 
court house; Squire Abel and Judge Davis were the supei-- 
visors of the county, and Squire Abel came in to borrov.- 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 25 

money from the scliool-fund to build the said court house. In 
his hurry, he got the money, much of it the bills of the failing 
wild-cat banks; and I fear the county has some of it still on 
hand. 

The troubles in Canada resulted in bringing many settlers 
to the Grand River Yalley. 

I must say a word about banking at Gi'and Rapids. There 
was the Grand River Bank, of which Almy was president and 
Richmond cashier. Ifc was in the office of the Kent Co., on 
Bridge street. Mr. Coggershall and some others became dis- 
satisfied, and undertook to establish another bank, to be located 
in the Campau plat part of the village. They got a room over 
Smith & Evans' store, about where the west part of Luce's 
Block now is; and, after much urging, Louis Campau 
consented to be president, and Siin. Johnson to be cashier- 
They named it the "People's Bank;"' got plates engraved, and 
some bills struck off, and even put in circulation. The capital 
stock was $100,000. So, under the law, it required $30,000 in 
specie to start on. Being all ready, as they claimed, they sent 
for the Bank Commissioner, LJigby Y. Bell, to come, make 
examination, and put the bank in legal operation. But instead 
of finding the required amount of specie, he found but .$G,000; 
and they proposed to make up the rest by a draft of Mr. 
Coggershall, of $20,000, on a broker in iSTewYork, and one of 
Mr. Ketchum, on Chicago, for the balance. Mr. Bell did not 
see the propriety of the arrangement, and said it would not 
do; so what next was to be done? They not only had bills out, 
but they had received deposits; and the specie shown, I sup- 
pose, was deposited to be drawn out as soon as the bank w^as in 
operation. They were very anxious to go on in some way, and 
so far satisfied the commissioner that they could, that he agreed 
to give them a month for the purpose. But then it was to bo 
on the condition that the means on hand should go into the 
hands of a receiver, for the security of the bill-holders and de- 
positors. When it was talked over who that man should be, 
they could agree on no one but myself. I did not at all like 
any connection with the matter, but, after m.uch urging, con- 
sented to it. It was to be kept as it was for the month, except 



26 [MEMORIALS OF THE 

to pay out to such cash depositors as should claim their money, 
and to redeem their bills then in circulation. Without any 
formality Mr. Bell handed me the keys of the safe, and said 
there was about such an amount of specie in this safe; and 
bills, and what he had passed wpon as specie equivalent, in the 
other. 

You will see now why I speak so particularly of this "Peo- 
ple's Bank." The next morning, on oj^ening the safe contain- 
ing the paper deposits, I found missing some $2,000. I felt 
it rather an awkward ^jredicament. But soon Mr. Campau 
came in, and said thei'e were two keys to that safe, and he 
thought Mr. Cook had the other one. After a time, Judge 
Morrison came in, and said that while Mr. Ball was at dinner 
yesterday, he took the missing money from the safe, and car- 
ried it to the cashier, Mr. Johnson, who was sick at liis room. 
More of the money was soon drawn out by depositors and bill- 
holders; and when the month came round they were no better 
prepared to go into operation than before, and I had to keep 
charge still longer. But, wishing to go East, Mr, Bostwick 
took charo-e of what there was left, and I went back to Troy, 
having been absent two years, instead of a few months, as I 
expected when I left there. 

After visiting for a time, I picked uj) my law library, rather 
scattered through the offices of the city, and returned to Grand 
Kapids, to the surj^rise of some; for it had been reported that 
I was not going to come back, otherwise they said I should 
have been again nominated for the Legislature. xVs it was, 
they had just ^^"t in nomination C. A. Finney. I was attei'- 
wards, in 1840, put in nomination for the Senate, to be beaten 
by 11. P. Bridge, the opposing candidate. 

AVlien I first came to Grand Rapids, Louis Cam])au was 
said to be worth §100,000; but when the change of times 
came, he made an assignment of all liis property for the bene- 
fit of his creditors, except the Old Congregational Church, 
which lie deeded to his mother. He had built that church for 
the Catholics, and they held meetings in it for some. It was 
to be paid for by the bishop; but from some disagi'eement, he 
did not talv^ it. After a time she sold it to the Congrega- 



GRAXD KIVER VALLEY. 27 

tional Society, reserving, however, the iron cross, the same 
that has since surmounted tlie stone church. I drew the deed 
from Mrs. Campan. Mr. Balhird was present, and urged not 
to have the cross excepted in the deed, saying that lie could 
worship under the cross. But she would not consent. When 
they wanted to take it dowai, men were sent up to remove it. 
They built a staging, and tried to lift it out of the timber in 
which it stood. When they found they could not, they sawed 
it olf. Owing to a defect in their arrangements, it fell to the 
ground, and in falling, carried with it one of the men, a Mr. 
Post, wlio, of course, was instantly killed. At the time I was 
standing on the steps of the National Hotel, with D. V. Bell, 
who remarked of the man being killed: " It has only knocked 
the shell off." This was by no means said in a thoughtless 
manner, but to express his religious views, that the body was 
not the real man, 

Mr. Campan had erected a number of other buildings, 
among them the Eagle Tavern, the yellow store, and a dwell- 
ing for his brother Touissant, on the corner where Luce's 
Block now stands. He had started Touissant in business, and 
becoming surety for his goods, probably occasioned the neces- 
sity of his making an assignment. Still he had considerable 
left after all his debts were paid. His brother Antoine, C. P. 
Walker and Judge Martin were his assignees. 

Times became vei-y dull in our valley, and there was very 
little increase in the population. In Grand Ra]:)ids, there 
was a decrease. Emigration all went past us to Illinois and 
Wisconsin. There was no money, and our merchants, who 
tried to do business, had to trust the iarmers on the strength 
of their growing crops. But the wheat, when raised, brought 
but three shillings a bushel, so there was a general failure 
of all business. AVe had enough to eat, but little to wear; 
and if we could get money enough to pay postage, it was all 
we expected. All that was done, was by exchange. Judge 
Morrison says, that in building a pretty good house he paid 
out but one dollar. All that was done, was by exchange or 
"dicker." 

Times were decidedly dull; and to fill up the time, we used. 



28 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ill the evenings, to attend the Debating Society, of wliich C. 
P. "Walker, Mr, Ballard and Charles H. Tajdor were the great- 
est talkers. And then we used to get up hops at the " Bridge 
Street" and "N^ational; " had Jolm Ellis for musician. This 
same Ellis has "hung up his fiddle and his bow," and long 
flourished as a successful mill-owner in Alpine, where he now 
lives, retired from business. 

Some settlers had gone on the government lands north of 
the river, before they were surveyed. In some cases, the lines 
cut their improvements badly, and then there was some clash- 
ing amonof the claimants. But it was aijreed that a committee 
of each township should settle these claims. 

When the j)ublic sale of these lands came on, in August, 
1839, the great question was, how to raise money to pay for 
their lands, for they had expected to have made it by their 
farming. Though told there was no danger, they were so fear- 
ful that speculators would bid off their lands, that they went 
to Ionia with clubs to fight them off. But the speculators did 
not come, as they had had enough of land speculation in 183(i. 
Still, some of these squatters borrowed money at 100 per cent., 
of Mr. Bichmond — acting for Gov. [Tunt, of Kew York — and 
paid for the lots, giving a mortgage on the same. It was a 
long time before some of these mortgages were paid ; and those 
who let it pass, and did not buy, did much better, as you will 
see further on. But were not those hard times with us? 
- Congress, in the session of 1841, granted to each of tlie new 
States in which there were government lands, 500,000 acres 
for internal improvements. The next winter our Legislature 
passed an act, accepting that grant, and authorizing the Gov- 
ernor, Mr. Barry, to' make the selection, as Congress had 
authorized. Knowing that I was a woodsman, he wrote to 
rae, asking me if I would select those lands. Not having 
much business on hand, I answered that I would, but wished 
his instructions, or at least, opinion, as to wdiat class of lands 
it would be best to take — whether pine or farming. Much to 
my dissatisfaction, he said he should leave it entirely to my 
judgment. Still, I accejDted the appointment, and prepared 
for the business. I went to the Land Oftice at Ionia, to pro- 



GEAND EIVEE VALLEY. 29 

cure the necessaiy plats. Judge Lovell, who was then tlic 
Ilegistrar, politely gave me every facility. Frederick Hall 
wishing to go out as an assistant, I employed liim at twelve 
sliillings a day; and I also took James D. Lyon, then a youth, 
as cook and campJceeper. I was then boarding at Judge 
Lyon's, who kept the Bridge Street House, and I had been act- 
ing as agent for Jaijies IL Hatch, after Mr. Walker left. But 
Mr. Yale had come on with full power of attorney from Mr. 
Hatch, &o I passed that business to him; purchased an Indian 
pony, tents, blankets, etc., and on the 20th of March, put into 
the woods — the ground being as fully settled as in mid-sum- 
mer. 

Our first trip was up by the Wright settlement, and the 
west part of Alpine, where we found Coffee and Goding, they 
being the last settlers, three miles beyond any others. We 
then went on and encamped the first night on a creek near the 
iiorth line of Wright. The next day, leaving Lyon to cook 
supper and see that the pony did not stray, Hall and myself 
ranged the woods far around to see the character of the land, 
keeping our reckoning by the surveyed lines and surveyor's 
marks, returning weary at night, ready for supper, and to 
wrap ourselves in our blankets. This was repeated from day 
to day, moving our camp as occasion required. Li that trip 
we explored all that splendid timbered country in the east jjart 
of Ottawa county, down to the Grand River, along which were 
the only settlers. After some ten or twelve days we came in 
to get a fresh supply of provisions, and then went out again. 

I had heard of prairie lands up on the Muskegon, so to see 
them I went out by the east part of Alpine, and there found 
Mr. Hills, three miles in the woods, making shingles; and his 
accomplished wife got us a dinner. Hills soon after died. 
His sons were then young, aiul probably did not expect all the 
good fortune they have since realized. AVe encam]:)ed by 
Camp Lake, and the next day reached Croton. There we 
found a saw mill, owned by a Mr. Peachim, who had pur- 
chased of Mr. Brooks, then at Newaygo. To my disappoint- 
ment, the i^rairies proved to be but thin-soiled pine plains. So 
we quit exploring in that direction, and struck through for 



80 MEMORIALS OF THE 

the riat River, coming out about at Greenville. There I found 
the country much more satisfactory — rich l)ur-oak plains and 
good pine timber. I there found Luther Lincoln, who, with 
his son, a boy of thirteen, were living a hermit life— the onlv 
inhabitants of Montcalm count3\ Still be seemed glad of 
company, and explored with us while in those parts. 

There were in Otisco, Ionia county, Mf. Cook, Mr. Morse, 
and a few others; in Oakfield, Mr. Tower and sons, Mr. Davis 
and Mr, Crinnion; in Courtland, Mr. Bears and four or five 
other families; four families in Cannon; one in Grattan ; but 
few at Plainiield, and none on the road from there to Grand 
Kapids. 

There was a ajood deal of feelino; and some alarm amons; our 
people about the selection of so large a quantity of land in one 
county, under the belief that they wonld be kept out of the 
market by the State, or held at a high price. So, out of re- 
gard to those feelings, I made a trip down the lake shore. 
^V'e w^ent out on the trail to Muskegon, where there was then 
one saw mill; crossed over the head of the lake by boat, swim- 
ming my pony; then by a trail to Wliite Hiver. At the head 
of White Lake we found Charles jVIears, the only settler north 
of Muskegon. lie had a little mill on a small creek, and a 
small sloop to ship his lumber to Chicago. His men, with 
tlieir boat, set us across the lake. It made the pony blow to keep 
liis head above the water; but he weathered it, and we struck for 
the Clay Banks, and so kept along, finding a stray boat to cross 
the Pent Water, and went as far the Pere Marquette, We 
then returned, exploring some, back through the country; 
came to the outlet of the White Lake; forded it on the bar, 
and came to the month of the Muskegon, expecting means of 
crossing, so as to come to Grand Bapids. But there was no one 
there, and we had to go back round the north side, and en- 
camp. Tlie next day some Indians carried us over to Muske- 
gon, and we returned on the trail in a rain, making rather an 
uncomfortable encamping. We made up our minds that our 
trip down the lake shore w'as one that invited no repetition for 
the pleasure of the thing. 

I was instructed to make report of such lands as I had se- 



GEAKD EIVER VALLEY. 31 

lected to the Land Office, and also to the Government. But 
thus far I had been looking generally, and had not reported 
any. On much reflection, I made np my mind tliat, as the 
State was deeply in debt for building railroads, and the State 
warrants, as the State obligations were called, were in the 
hands of many people all over the State, and the State had no 
means of meeting this indebtedness but these lands, the Leg- 
islature would be pressed on the subject, and would pass a law 
jnitting the lands into the market at such a price that they 
would sell, and be purchased by the settler. I therefore de- 
termined to make the selections from the nearest unsold lands 
n]) and down the Grand Eiver. I afterwards made my explo- 
rations with that view, and soon made report of selections. I 
continued my explorations nntil the 4th of July, and then 
again went out in the fall. I was in the woods in Bowne, 
when that tall of snow of more than two feet came on the 18th 
day of November. The old settlers will well recollect that 
Avinter, 1842-3, which lasted till some time in April — five 
months. As I was about the conntry that fall, I noticed a 
great number of hogs, and on asking the owners what they 
were going to do with them, they said, "let them run." They 
had lived through the previous winter on acorns, and if killed 
now the pork would not pay for the salt. Quite three-fourths 
of them were salted in the snow, and also some of the cattle. 

Hall and Lyon had quit me some time in the spring, and I 
then employed a Dutchman by the name of Thome as camp- 
keeper, and carried on the business without further help. lie 
has a line farm in Alj)ine, bonght with his wages. 

I selected some lands, also, on the south side of the river, in 
Gaines and Byi*on, and some in Ottawa, in Jamestown, and 
Statesland, thus named from this fact. The quantity selec- 
ted and reported was nearly 400,000 acres; the balance being 
selected by other parties in other parts of the State. Mine 
Avere mostly farming lands, but some pine. 

As I anticipated, the State Legislature did, at the next ses- 
sion, pass a law for the sale of those lands, at the nominal 
gtjvernment price of $1.25 per acre, payable in State dues; 
warrants could then be purchased at 40 cents on the dollar, 



^»9 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



l)ringing the lands at 50 cents per acre. After the passage of 
this law, the settlers who had not paid for their lands— and 
there were many of them who had not — wished me to report 
their lands as selected, and I did so. The State Land Office 
was then at Marshall, and when the sale came on in July, 1843, 
they sent out by me to bid in their lands — -having, most of them, 
by some means, got the small sum required — and all got their 
■places without opposition, for they sold so cheap, none were pur- 
chased on speculation. After the lands had all been offered at 
auction, I made entry of a few lots, and paid for them with the 
warrants I had received for my services in selecting. I 
charged $3 per day, and got what was worth 40 cents on the 
dollar; but in paying for the lands it was worth dollar for 
dollar. But if I had been paid in cash, as I expected, it would 
have bought two and a half acres instead of one. 

Though but few purchases Avere made at the first sale, some 
from the east part of the State having knowledge of the oppor- 
tunity, made some purchases. After a time, emigrants bound 
for tlie West, came to look, saying to me (for they all came to 
me for information), "We don't e>q3ect to like Michigan lands, 
but as they are selected laiuls, and can be got so cheaply, w^e 
thought we would come and see. But, to their surprise, they 
were well suited, and all purchased. On their report, a dozen 
would follow, so that in a few years the great majority of those 
lands were settled. I not only furnished them with plats, and 
directed them to the lands, but purchased warrants, sent them 
to the office, and made the purchases. If the funds were a 
little short, I gave them time to make up the deficiency, and 
if much was lacking, I would take the land in my own name, 
as security, giving them a receipt for what they paid. I num- 
aged to keep every man who came, in some way; and never 
had occasion to complain that they did not, on their part, ful- 
fill their eno;a2:ements. 

I have been thus particular about those Internal Improve- 
ment Lands, to remind you to how great an extent it advanced 
the settlement of our valley. When, a few years afterwards, 
the Hollanders came in, and took the balance of those lands 
down near their settlement, and thev and the other settlers 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY, 33 

came to Grand Kapids for tlieir supplies, business revived, and 
we moved on again. 

ISTone of these first purchasers had mach means — just 
enough to pay for their hinds, and subsist till thej couH raise 
S()met1iing. For a tiine they got on slov/ly. What they raised 
would bring but little. But they made improvements; their 
calves grew; so that wlien prices improved, they found them- 
selves better off than they were aware; built barns and good 
framed houses, in- place of their little first log cabins. 

It does me good to go over those tlien forest lands, along 
well-made roads, lined with fine white houses, rich orchards, 
and fruitful fields. 

j^Tine out of ten of those have succeeded — showing that 
cheap lands and iudnstry are the surest road to competence, 
especially for young men and those of limited means. 

I do not at once recognize them all, but they do me, and re- 
fer, with seeming gratitude, to their first coming to the coun- 
try, and my aiding them in getting their farms. This, to me, is 
better pay than the little fees they gave me for those services." 

Uncle John, you are right. You have as many friends as 
the minister, and many a heart says " God bless you." 

THE GKAND RIVER VALLEY IX 1837. 

There was a rush of settlers into the Grand River Valley in 
1836, and thereabouts; and a furor fur locating lands as a 
speculative investment; a mania for platting cities and sell- 
ling lots. This was followed, of course, by a re-action. 

From 1833 to 1837, may be called the years of occupation. 
Tlie furor passed, and the sober realities of backwoods life had 
brought people somewhat to their senses. • It was thought 
proper by the author to pause at this point, and give a general 
and graphic view of the Yalley in 1837. To do this, the Hon. 
John Ball, whose business called him at that time into every 
|)art, and made him acquainted with every person, was ap- 
pealed to. To this appeal he kindly responded, by furnishing 
the following article. There is no doubt that the public will 
add tlieir thanks to those of the author: 



34 MEMORIALS OF THE 

" In 1837 tlie Grand River settlement was far detached from 
the rest of the workl. To reach it I'rom any direction had its 
difHcnlties, and required much time. If approached b_v what 
■svas called the northern route, through Shiawassee and Clin- 
ton counties, it was a day's journey from house to house t(» 
Ionia. The only other approach with a team and wagon w;\s 
l)y the " Territorial Eoad," as it was called, through Calhoun 
and Kalamazoo; then by a day's journey from J^attle Creek 
or Kalamazoo, to Yankee Springs, and another to Grand Rap- 
ids, or other parts. This was the usual route to Kent and 
Ottawa counties; keeping ov^er the " openings " east of the 
Thornapple River to Ada. Tliere was a bridle path or trail 
through the timbered lands direct out throu^di Gaines to Green 
Lake and Yankee Springs; and another through Byron to Alle- 
gan; and there was communication by keel-boats and "dug- 
outs" up and down the river. Ry these routes all supplies of 
croods, and even most of the breadstnffs for Kent and ( )ttawa 
counties, were brought. In Ionia county, being longer settled, 
they raised their own bread. 

A colony, under the lead of Mr. Dexter, had come into Ionia 
in 1833; and a few as early into the other counties of the 
Grand River Yalley. The Ionia settlers, as soon as possible, 
made arrangements to be independent of the outside world, 
as far as it reg:irds food. But in Kent and Ottawa they had 
come as mechanics, or to operate in platting towns, and selling 
corner-lots. And here, so deep in the woods, they did not gi\'e 
up tlieir hopes in that direction until long after it was known 
and felt in the habited parts of the country, that backwoods 
village plats were merely things on paper. 

The traveler on horseback, by the usual route in those days, 
W'Ould stop at night at William's; and later in the year at De- 
Lang's; the next night at Scott's; and by the next night, riding 
through a dense forest twcntv-tive miles, he w^ould reach Lv- 
ons, perha])3 Ionia. Or, by another route, through a more 
open country, he could go to Portland, and down along the 
Grand River to Lyons. There were then at Portland, Mr. 
Boyer and three or four others. At Lyons was a tavern, kept 
bv the late Judo:e Lv(jn. His l)rother lulward, since in De- 



GRAND KIVKR TALLFA'. 35 

troit, was living in a line little cottage on a Llnff of the river. 
There were perhaps some dozen other villagers, and a few 
farmers. Mr. Eaton and Mr, Irish, whose wives were of the 
Lyon family, had farms up on the Portland road. 

Three miles ahove Ionia was a saw mill on Prairie Creek; 
and on a little stream from the hill, a grist mill. At Ionia 
were a tavern, a store, mechanic shops, and a few dwell inijfs. 
all nnpretending and limited in huild and bnsines>;. Bur 
hereabonts, in the country and in the woods, w^ere a number of 
farmers — Esquire Yeomans, a little below the village, in his 
log house, and all the rest in theirs. If night overtook tlie 
weary traveler too far away to reach the usual place of stop- 
])ing, he was always kindly welcomed to lodgings and fare, 
the best the cabin alForded; and would lind as marked proof 
of good order, skill in cooking and neatness, as he would lind 
in the sumptuous mansion. And also in the cabin the trav- 
eler would usually find a shelf filled with instructive books; 
and iVom conversation with the inmates he would discover 
that they had been read. The people of the Yalley were so few 
that the pei'son who traveled much soon became acfpiainted 
Avith most of the dwellers therein, and the sparseness of set- 
tlers led to gi-eater cordiality when they met. Their common 
wants, sometimes for almost the needs of life, led to kindly 
thought of each other, and kindly, neighljoi'ly acts. And then 
they had the example of the Indians, then residing all along 
the Valley, who are always hospital)le, and who not unfrequently 
aided the first settlers, by furnishing the means of subsistence 
from their cornhelds and the chase. 

The Indian is too good a farmer to ever till a poor soil. 
Their corirliclds were on the rich bottom land of the rivei's. 
They liad one at Lyons, in the forks of tlie Maple and Grand 
rivers. Ionia was located on an old Indian improvement. An 
extensive field was at the mouth of the Flat Piver, on the right 
bank, and then again at the mouth of the Thornapple. 

As the Indian mode of tillage Avas the laborious one of 
breaking up the ground with the hoe. the settlers, in preference 
to taking the unsubdued land, ploughed the Indian fields for 
the privilege of cultivating a part; and, side by side, the In- 



36 MEMORIALS OF THE 

(lian corn generally looked tlie best, for the squaws were very 
good with the hce. 

Rix Robinson, the first Indian Trader on the Grand River, 
resided at Ada, and liis brother Edward one mile below, in his 
log house, from necessity lai'ger tlian usual, to accommodate 
his large family of 15 — his " baker's dozen," as he used to say. 
Still, they often had to entertain the traveler bound to Grand 
Rapids. The bedroom of the weary traveler was the roof or 
garret part of the house, with good beds, eight or ten, ar- 
ranged under the eaves, access to which was under the ridge- 
pole; it being high enough there for a man to stand upright. 
There were always two in a bed, and the beds were taken as 
the parties retired; say, a man and his wife iirst, then two boys 
or girls, and so on. This is mentioned as the usual manner at 
stopping places. At first it would seem a little embarrassing 
to women and modest men. But use soon overcome-; that 
feeling; and always in those times all seemed disposed to be- 
liave civilly, and to act the part of a true gentleman; occasion 
their kind entertainers the least possible trouble, and still iv- 
ward them liberally for their fare, as was right they should, as 
their food had come all the way from Bntfalo or Cleveland. 

Uncle Louis Campau, as he was usually called, was the next 
trader on the river, unless Mr. Generau, at the Maple, was be- 
fore him. Campau sat down at Grand Rapids, and built his 
log dwelling and warehouse about half-way between Pearl and 
Bridge streets, on the bank of the river, the trail to which was 
where now is Monroe street. 

In the year 1837, the Grand River settlements were far de- 
tached from the rest of the world. The approach from any 
direction required much time, and was attended with some 
difficulty. If by what was called the northern route, through 
Shiawassee and Clinton counties, there was but one stopping- 
place in each — Lang's and Scott's. Then there were some 
twenty-five miles of dense woods to reach Lyons, and about 
the same to Portland. These were the usual routes in, for the 
Ionia people. 

For Kent county and the region below, the approach was 
made usually by the so-called Thoriiapple road. This came 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 37 

from Battle Creek to Yankee Springs, in Barrj county; then 
east of tlie Thornapple Illver, tln-ougli tlie openiiigs, to Ada, 
where it joined tlie road from Ionia to Grand Eapids and 
(rrandville. The travel below Grand Ilapids was, in summer, 
l»y keel-l)oats or canoes, and in winter, on the ice. There was 
a trail, or lu-idle-path, to Grand Haven, and down the lake 
heach to ^Luskegon, and also t(. Allegan. Sometimes there 
was a winter road more direct, out, going through the heavy 
timbered laud in Gaines to Green Lake, Middleville and Yan- 
kee Springs. There were other Indian trails in many direc- 
tions. 

Most traveling was on horseback, rcvjuiring five davs from 
Detroit to reach Grand Itaj)ids. From Ionia, the traveler 
crossfd the Graiul Ilivcrat Ada in a canoe, into which he put 
his saddle, towing his horse behind the boat. Coming from 
the south, when the water was high, the crossing of the Thorn- 
ap[)le was in the same fashion. Soon scows were put on the 
river, on which teams and loads eould cross. 

No roads as yet were made, nor bridges built, so the travel- 
ing by wagon was rough and slow. 

As to settlement, beginning at Portland, there Avere Mr. 
Moore, Mr. Boyer, and some lialf dozen other tamilies. At 
Lyons, ten miles down the river, a few more than at Portland. 
At Ionia, the village was small, but there were quite a number 
of farmers around. They nuule their Urst planting ground of 
the old Indian imprvvement, where the city of Ionia now is. 
Squire Yeomans had his farm below the village, and some had 
settled on the other side of the river. 

At Lowell, on the left bank of the river, was Mr. Marsac, 
and on the right bank, on an extended plain, an old Indian 
l)lanting ground, was Louis Ilobinson. At Ada, were Ilix and 
Edward Ilobinson. 

There was already quite a ]>o])nlation at Grand Pajuds. 
Many settlers foUoAved Mr. Campau from Detroit, and others 
came from all parts East. The Messrs. Hinsdill, Henry and 
others, from Vermont; Mr. James Lyman and his brother, from 
Connecticut, and mani', more than from all other States, from 
New York. Perhaps at this time there were 500 in all — more 



38 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

than at times could be well accommodated for room. It seemed 
to be an attractive spot, where every comer seemed to tliiidv 
it was the place for him to make a fortune. Tliis was the case 
in the lirst part of the year, but before the year was through, 
that feeling had mucli abated, for it was in tliis year that the 
speculation bubble burst. 

On Monroe street tliere was then Louis Canqiau's two-story 
frame house, since a part of the front of the Itatldnm House, 
corner of Monroe and Waterloo streets. Mr. Ilichard God- 
froy had a simihii- building a little above. Mr. Myron ITins- 
dill had one wliere the Morton House now is. Darius Winsor 
was on the corner of Ottawa and Fountain streets, and was 
postmaster. The arri^•al of the weekly mail was an event. In 
after times, if one had money enough to pay tlie high postage 
of those days, he thought he was well-oil'. There was a house 
opposite the Kathbun House, where Esquire Beebee and Dr. 
Willson then had their offices. Both were worthy men, but 
both sooh departed this life. Dr. Shepard was here, and at 
times the only physician. 

At the foot of Monroe sti-eet, where is now open space, were 
three stores, or warehouses; one of them, then or soon, occu- 
j)ied by Judge Morrison. Opposite, or wdiere the buildings 
between Monroe and Pearl streets stand, was what was called 
the Guild House; and on the side hill, about where the Arcade 
building stands, was a log house. • 

Down Waterloo street was tlie Eagle Tavei-n, then kejit by 
Louis Moran, and on the other side of the street were the stores 
of the Messrs. Xelson (James and George). Down the street, 
in the chamber over the store, was Mr. C'harles Taylor's tailor 
shop, and in the same building was Mr. Ilorsford Smith's store. 
Opposite, on the river's bank, were three warehouses, one of 
which is said to have been the first framed l)uihling in the 
place, and w%as erected on the west side for a church. It M'as 
moved over on the ice by Campau. 

Going up street into the Kent plat, there w(a-e two or three 
shanties on Canal street, two small offices on Bronson street, 
built for the Land Office, expected to hh at Grand Ila})ids in- 
stead of at Ionia. On Bridge street. Mr. Coggershall lived in 



GRA^s'D EIVKR VALLEY. 39 

the house now standhig east of the Bridge Street House. Op- 
posite Avas the ofKce of the Kent Company, built by Judge 
Alniy. 

At thi.: time, though (Janal and Kent streets were nearly 
inipassal)le by reason of stumps, and mud from the water ooz- 
ing from the hills above, lots were selling for $50 per foot. 
Thei-e was a passable road from Fulton street to Cold Brook 
under the Ijlulf on the east. Canal street was, in wet weather, 
little better than a quagmire. 

Thei-e were as yet but few tanners in Kent county. Out on 
South Division street, beyond the Fair Grounds, was Ah a 
Wansley. Over beyond, were Mr. Guild and Mr. Burton. 
Soutlnvest of Reed's Lake, were Judge Davis and two Beeds. 
Going down the Grandville road, all was woods. At Plaster 
Creek was a small saw-mill. Plaster could be seen in the bed 
of the stream near it. As one went on, to the right, and off 
from the road, near a marsh, were the salt springs, with paths 
deep worn by the deer coming to lick the salt water; and just 
below, near the river, were observed the Indian mounds, 
near where the railroad now crosses the river. On the left of 
the road, farther on, was Esquire CMiubb's log cabin, and over 
the cieek beyond were Mr. Ilowlitt and Mr. Thompson. 

The first house in Grandville was that of Julius Abel, Esq.; 
the next, that of Major Britton. Osgood & Bleake kept a 
tavern — Osgood was a lawyer. Charles Oakes was there, and 
a number of otliers; and they claimed that, as the navigation 
of the river was so much better up to that point than it was 
above, Grandville would compete with Grand Bajuds. Tiicn 
scune half dozen settlers had begun in the woods south of 
Grandville. On Buck Creek, Ilaynes Gordon and Wright 
had saw-mills. Xear the mouth of Rush Creek, the Mich- 
igan Lumbering Company had a saw-mill, and a Mr. Ketchum, 
of' Marshall, one a little above. A little beyond, in Ottawa 
county, wereLIiram Jennison and brothers. Beyond these few 
settlers all Avas deep forest, to the lake, and to the then new 
little village of Allegan. 

Going down the river, three miles from Grandville, was a 
Mrs. Burton, The next house, on the other side, was thr.t of a 



•10 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Mr. Yeonians, where is now Lamont, squatted on tlie newly 
pureliased lands. Then, on the south side, below Bass 
reiver, were Rodney and Lucas Hobinson. Ko more in Otta- 
wa, until Grand Haven. There were Mr. Ferry, who, with 
Kix llobinson, owned the village plat. The three brothers 
White, Mr. Troop and a few others, were residents. This place 
l)ciug the grand, harbor of the Grand Hiver, soon to become a 
big city, its lots, corners and all, were held at high prices. 

At Muskegon were two fur traders, Mi-. Lasserly and Mr. 
Trottier, with the lattei'of whom was Martin Eyerson, serving 
as clerk at $8 per niontli. 

The lands north of the Grand River, in Kent and Ottawa 
counties, had only been purchased from the Indians the prece- 
ding year; were not in the market, and were not even yet sur- 
veyed. Still, settlers began this year to go on them, and to 
make pre-emptions, as they called it. They erected log cabins 
in which to live, as all the farmers in the Yalley did ; and many 
of tlie liouses in the villages were of the same construction. 
Still, tlien, as ever, these pioneers were hopeful, and seemed 
quite happy. 

All the impression the white man had made on the country 
M'as but a cypher. The largest clearings had but a few acres. 
The old Indian clearings were of greater extent than the white 
man's. Tlunj had quite a tract cleared at the junction of the 
Maple and Grand Rivers; at Ionia, Flat River, Tliornapple. 
At Grand Rapids their clearing extended along the river tVom 
Mill Creek down to a short distance above the Plaster Mills, 
but not extending far back from the rivei-. At Gi'andville was 
the Little Prairie. 

The government built for the Indians a mill on tlie creek, 
near where it is crossed by the D. ifc jM. Railroad. The Indi- 
ans had a village of twenty or thirty houses, built of the lum- 
ber sawed by this mill. In 1837, all the grtjund spoken of 
above as then a cultivated field, was ])lanted witli corn, which 
the women well hoed. The men lished and hunted. They 
]i\('d all u]) and down the river, and through the country, as 
cvei- before; and every fall assembled at Grand Rapids to 
i'ecei\'e pay for their lands. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 41 

All beyond these Indian and white men's clearings was 
one interminable forest, the same as before the civilized man 
had entered upon the lands. In this Yalley they lived in 
peace, and mostly there were in those times confidence and 
kindness between the different races. But there were some 
wrongs, more often committed by the whites than the In- 
dians. 

All was a grand and noble forest, with its tall pine, its sngar 
tree and beech, and the sturdy oak scattered over what is 
called the "openings." These opening lands extended along 
generally on both sides of the river to a greater or less dis- 
tance back, through Kent and Ionia counties, np the Flat 
River to Greenville, and along the east side of the Thornap- 
ple. From Grand Kapids to Plainfield, and about that vil- 
lage, there was comparatively little timber, so that the travel- 
er on the old trail could see quite a distance about him. This 
scarcity of timber was also observable in parts of Grattan, 
Oakfield and Montcalm. But all of Ottawa, tlie south part of 
Kent, to the Thornapple, and the north part, commencing 
even in Walker and the south part of Ionia count3% were 
heavily timbered with beech, maple, elm, oak and other hard 
Avood trees, with patches of pine. Towards and along the 
lake in Ottawa county, the timber was pine and hemlock. In 
these forests the travelers could often see the fleet deer ci'oss- 
ing his track, sometimes pursued by the wolf. 

On the west side of the river, near where the Bi'idge street 
bridge is, were two block houses, wdiei*e a Baptist Missionary 
preacher or teacher, by the name of Shiter, taught some of tlie 
Indians. But Father Yizoski (the Catholic) had more con- 
verts, and a little meeting house at their village below, which 
was the only meeting house on either side. In this, that 
w^orthy priest would hold forth to the Indians, the French and 
Englisli-speaHng people, to each in their own language. 

Of course, there were no bridges over the river, but there 
was a fording place between Islands No. 2 and 3, or below the 
railroad bridge; and when the water was too high for fording, 
a ferry-boat was used. 

And now, the effect of the break-down of the wild specula- 



42 MEMORIALS OF THE 

tion of 1836, and tlie Ingli hope of the first lialf of this year, 
began to be seen. Faces began to indicate thonglit and care. 
Busine-s flagged, and Mr. Canipau's laborers and mechanics, 
hicking occupation, began to seek labor elsewhere. ISTo sale for 
corner-lots, and money, to pay for bread to eat, grew scarce. In 
Kent count}', not half enough grain, of all kinds, was raised to 
feed the horses, and all else had to come from Ohio or Xew 
York — for to the west of us, tliey had raised as little as we. 
As anotiier trouble, our wild-cat money would not buy things 
beyond our own limits. 

Monroe street follows the trail to Campau's Indian trading 
post, on tlie bank of the river. It kept along close to the im- 
passable swamp, extending north from the corner of Monroe 
and Division streets, then wound along at the foot of an ab- 
rupt hill from Ottawa to Pearl street. This same hill con- 
nected with the (now disappearing) hill between Pearl and 
Lyon streets. Beyond these hills the trail descended to Bron- 
son street. South of Monroe street, the descent was steep, and 
the ground was so low as to be deeply covered at high water. 
The boat channel of tlie river Avas between the island and the 
main, and the landing was where the blocks of stores now are 
on the south side of Monroe street, at the foot of Canal street. 
West of the foot of Canal street, north of Pearl street, was Mi-. 
Wadsworth's saw-mill." 

The value of the above article will be appreciated in after 
davs. Its graphic simplicity will commend it to the general 
reader, and the fact that it is from one who knew whereof he 
wrote; whose memory is tenacious, and Avhose honesty is pro- 
\-erbial, renders its historical accuracy, reliable. 

THE CRASH. 

"The warrior bowed his crested head, 
And tamed his heart of fire." 

Grand Pa])ids, then a village in the wilderness, had her dark 
day in 1837; when the light M'ent ont in her dwellings, and 
wlien bankruptcy and ruin seenicd to be the presiding genii 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 43 

of the jjlace. Xo town felt more the crushing effect of tlie 
financial revulsion which paralyzed the business of the coun- 
tr)- between 1836 and 1842. During the few yeai-s bef a-e. 
Grand Rapids had been one of the centers of speculation. 
Settlers were filling up the region around, and great thingH- 
were undertaken there; sonie wisely, and some based on sup- 
posed prophetic vision. A saw-mill, the greatest in the world, 
was begun; one that should "saw out i/<^un(j sacj iinUs.'''' 
Lots were held, and sold at fabulous prices; there was money 
in everybody's pocket — " wild-cat "' money. Everybody was 
getting rich. Speculators were greedily buying up land and 
lots. Ho matter if a man did owe a few thousand dollars; he 
had the land and the lots, which were sure to double their value 
in a year. But as Burns says: 

"The best laid plans of mice and men, 
Gang- aft agley. ' ' 

All who lived in those times, know that there was the gen- 
eral idea that fortune was ready to shower down her golden 
treasures on the owners of wild lands or corner-lots. Lawyei's, 
doctors, merchants and capitalists at the East, became rovers 
in the woods in search of lands. They bought lands and went 
home to dream of fortune. Alas! in after years their counte- 
nances elongated wdien they found it was all taxes and no sales. 
We are afraid that they, as the Dutchman expressed it, 
" thought cot fajif,'^ when, annually, their agent reported taxe^^ 
Some did more than think; they actually "sAvared" "the 
lands might go to hlazes for all their paying taxes." But in 
1835-6, land looked beautiful. Kainbow hues were in the sky. 
Ah! you have seen them in the floating bubble. But only 
think of a bubble covering the whole United States. It was a 
splendid bul)ble — it was an enormous bubble. The banks, in 
the shape of expanded loans, had furnished the gas, and ten 
million pairs of lungs were strained for its inflation. All at 
once the bubble burst, and the banks, speculators, merchants, 
all found themselves gaping and gazing into blank space. 
The big bubble had all their hopes in it; when it burst, their 
hopes were dissipated, and nothing was left but a bad smell. 



44 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Their first expression, in blank dismay, was, "Who would 
have supposed it was hollow?" 

' ' Then there was running to and fro 
Of the panic-stricken crowd, 
And speculators' tears fell fast, 
And merchants swore aloud." 

But why dwell on the dismal picture? It is all black; there 
is no use in coloring it. Land and lots would not sell for any- 
thing. Debts alone were undiminished. As a consequence, 
about all failed. So genei-al was this the rule, that the man 
who had not failed was almost ashamed to walk the streets, so 
wofully was he out of fashion. 

When stricken down, a man will either die, live a crip|)le, 
or get well. It is so with a community. The Grand Rivei* 
Valley recovered, after being crippled long. The year 1S42 
showed hopeful signs; the convalescence continued until 1840, 
when, in full health, it entered on a career of rational prosper- 
ity. 



GKAND EIYEE VALLEY. 45 



IONIA COUNTY. 

IONIA. 

Ionia was one of tlie points of earliest settlement, and is the 
center from which the settlement of Ionia county radiated. 
To all intents and purposes, Ionia and Lyons were but one; 
and in pioneer history are to he treated as such. 

It is scarcely proper to consider the trader, who has taken 
up his abode among tlie Indians, as a settler, or the bogus 
manufacturer, who has sought the wilds for puq^oses of 
concealment. There were the Indian Trader, Louis Generau, 
and the bogus maker. Belcher, who had their places of busi- 
ness in Ionia county before 1833. Still, the spring of 1833 is 
the era of civiHzed occupation. Then a company, consisting 
Samuel Dexter, Erastus Yeomans, Oliver Arnold, Joel Guild, 
Edward Guild and Darius Winsor, all -with their families, and 
William B. Lincoln, a single man, came on in company, and 
located themselves at Ionia. With the exception of Winsor, 
who joined them at Buffiilo, they started together from Ger- 
man Flats, K Y, April 25th, left Buffalo May Tth, came on 
steamer to Detroit; left Pontiac May 14th, were at Fuller's. 
Oakland county, the 15th, at Saline the 19th. At that point 
they had before them the unbroken wilderness. From the 
20th to the 2Sth, they journeyed and camped iu the. woods. 
They were obliged to cut roads to get along through Clinton 
county. A child of Dexter died on the way. 

They brought with them some means, and they complain 
of no great hardship. True, the journey through the wilder- 
ness was fatiguing, but they had their families with them, and, 
camped around the bivouac fire at night, they could enjoy the 
novelty of their situation, and they enjoyed the romance of 
their situation. The pathless wild was. new to them; and 
there was novelty in the wolf-sareaade. Young men, love to 



46 MEMORIALS OF THE 

combat and conquer. Tliej bad to conqner fallen trees, and 
und deep ravines; but tliere was a hearty ''Yo-he!" as tliey 
rolled the one from tbe track, and a pride of conscious man- 
liness as tliey wiped their sweaty brows, having crossed the 
other. But how was it with the women and children? Wo- 
man is not such a frail, delicate being as tlie poets represent 
her. When she nerves herself for serious action, she will 
shame the men by her resolute and cheerful endurance. Be- 
vsides, she likes rustic life as well as a man. She tires of con- 
ventionalities, and delights for a time in an adventurous, semi- 
savage way of living. And the yonng folks — it is their glory. 

The old survivors of tliat expedition will tell you they en- 
joyed the journey. They had the spirit of youth, or middle 
life, and that likes adventure. They felt that each day was 
creating a memory. They have lived over that season a thou- 
sand times. They have since battled with the forest; l)ut the 
individual trees they cut down, liave left no memory; but that 
l)ig oak which lay in their way, and with which they joined 
issue, that is remembered. They have since eaten many a 
good dinner, now forgotten; but they still gloat over that sup- 
per by the spring in Clinton county. And how those who 
were boys enjoy the recollection of the way they used to chase 
and scare those sneaking loafers of the forest — the w^olves. 
Perhaps they met a bear, lean from his Avinter's fasting and 
sluggard rest, who stolidly passes by with his "you let me 
alone, and I'll let you alone" air; and who, if politely invited 
to turn out, will rise upon his haunches, double his fists, aud 
say, " turn out yourself; I'm a bear." Whether this company 
met Bruin or not, tradition does not tell ; but he has met 
others, and such is his way. 

There M'ere banks of streams to dig down, so that the wagons 
could begot across. But it was " hurrah, boys! " and the road 
was made. There were bushes and trees in the way, but this 
*' hurrah, boys! " put both aside. Swamps must be got over or 
around, but '"hurrah, boys!" found the means and the way. 

The exciting day's work done; the camp pitched — it Avas 
then "Molly, put the kettle on." Tlie mysterious "Jjlack 
Betty," that had been concealed all day, appears, and receives 



GRAND niVEil \'ALLKr, 47 

tlie lieai'ty kiss of the tired, but clieerfnl o-roup. Soon, supper 
comes smoking; to the table— no, log. That dispatched, the 
male scions, each with his l)ack against a tree, lights his pipe, 
and philosophically contemplates the wrtnithing smoke, while 
the more youthful ones get up a dance to extempore castanets, 

JSTot so bad after all, this journeying in the woods, Avitl; 
enough to eat, a little of something else, and congenial com- 
pany. But we will throw imagination aside. AVe talk and 
live prose most of our lives. Poetry comes in as a luxury, 
not as everyday fare. 

The 28th of May brought our pilgrims to Ionia. It Avas 
too late for putting in ci-ops by clearing the land, so they 
bought an Indian plantation, plowed and planted five acres 
with corn and potatoes. They paid the Indians $25 for their 
crops and improvements. 

They lu^d come in j^repared with articles for traffic, which 
they exchanged for venison, fish, etc. They lived mostly from 
the Indians, and nearly in Indian fashion, and on the most 
friendly terms with their Indian neighbors. 

The company mostly located on Sec. 19. They had some 
spare means; had two span of horses; about ten head of cat- 
tle. They got a few boards from the Indian mill, at Grand 
Eapids. Dexter, Yeomans and Winsor built them log houses. 
The rest lived in Indian huts. Before their goods came round 
the lakes, they were rather straitened. These did not arrive 
until the middle of the summer. In the winter they had a large 
coffee mill with which they ground their corn. This mill for 
a considerable time was of great service to them and othei- 
settlers. They had some flour brought around witli their goods, 
and they had Indian sugar. 

The Indian settlement was where the city of Ionia now is. 
Some five hundred Indians, who were under the Flat Biver 
chief, stojjped there, for making sugar, fishing, etc. They also 
raised some corn. As friends, the Indians and settlers lived 
together, with mutual T)enefit. The fii'st winter passed, the 
Indians knowing they had sold their riglits, cheerfully gave 
up their cherished honies to the whites. They knew that they 
occupied onh^ by the sufferance of tlie Government. 



48 MEMORIALS OF THE 

There was some scarcity of provisions the first winter, reme- 
died by laboriously transporting them from Gull Prairie. 
Otherwise, as this company had come prepai-ed, they tell of 
little hardship or suifering. 

It is proper here to state that the colon_y consisted of the Dex- 
ter family, nine persons; Mr. Yeomans' tamily, nine persons; 
Winsor's family, seven, persons; Arnold's ftimily, ten persons; 
Joel Guild's family, seven or eight persons; Edward Guild's 
family, — persons. In addition to these families, as single 
men, Dr. W. B. Lincoln, a young physician just commencing 
})ractice, two unmarried brothers of Dexter — Winsor Dexter 
and Warner Dexter — P. M. Fox and Abrani Decker. The 
fortunes of these pioneers of Ionia county, it is proper here 
briefly to state: 

A, Decker did not staj- long 

Patrick M. Fox now resides at Muir. 

Samuel Dexter spent his life at Ionia, where he died in 
1856. 

Judge Yeomans, in a good old age, is still living at Ionia. 

Oliver Arnold, a blacksmith, is dead. His sons are at Ionia. 

Edward and Joel Guild soon went to Grand Rapids, and are 
dead. 

Darius Wiiisor also moved to Grand Papids, and is dead. 

Dr. Lincoln, in a green old age, is still at Ionia. 

Warner and Winsor Dexter were but transient residents. 

Further ^particulars of these individuals may be gathered 
from the biographical articles. 

In November, 1833, an addition was made to the little col- 
ony; Alfred Cornell arriving with a family, consisting of four 
men, six women and two children. The whole force of the 
settlement was voluntarily directed to showing them how the 
pioneer welcomes a new-comer. In two weeks a house had 
been built for them; of course not a palatial mansion, but a 
snug log house, built without boards, glass or nails; in which 
blankets and sheets did duty as doors and windows, but after 
all, as it was the hest house in the settlement, i\\Qy might have 
put on airs; and doubtless would, had they been made of such 
material as constitutes fashionable society. As souls were a 



GRAND EIYER VALLEY. 49 

part of tlieii" personal outfit, tliey let tlieir children play with 
the children of those who spent their first winter in Indian 
hots, and acknowledged fraternity with those who lived in 
lunnhler dwellings. There are people now, living in princely 
residences, and hlessed with all the appliances of wealtii, who 
welcome others according to their mental and moral worth; 
and do not measure them by the accidents of fortune. God 
bless the whole lot of them! A rich man with a soul in him 
is a person worth bowing to. We see vjomeii, too, ( I didn't 
say "ladies," as "women" is a much nobler word,) who, 
abcnmding in all that wealth can give, still place themselves on 
the level with common liumanity, and prove their nobility by 
their noble sympathy with all that is good, and pure, and hoh', 
whether found in a palace or a hovel. Unworthy is he whose 
hat can stay on when he meets such a woman. 

Were it not for this morbid propensity to preach, when 
events furnish a text, the history would advance much more 
rapidly. Descended from a long line of deacons, and destined 
in youth for the pulpit, the propensity was ground into the 
histoi-ian's nature. Well for the world that a lack of ortho- 
doxy induced the conservators of the church to discourage his 
ambition, otherwise, his interminable preaching would have 
l)een terrible. 

But coming back to the colony: They gave a heart-warm 
welcome to Cornell and his family group. Cornell had, as he 
supposed, made provision for the coming season, having laid 
in a stock at Detroit. But the open character of the winter, 
find the s'vollen streams rendered it impossible to get them to 
Ionia, and in consequence there was, not hunger, but little 
\ariety, and rather short commons. They learned to live upon 
little; that eating was not the business of life, but that we eat 
to live. Corn cake and maple sugar, with a piece of smoked 
sturgeon, or a venison steak occasionally, is not so very terri- 
ble. They had plenty of corn and Indian sugar, which is fully 
equal to the "hog and hominy " of old Kentucky. What are 
you growling about? In the writer's humble opinion, old Par- 
son Jennings was about right. lie (God rest his pious, jovial 
old soul) was pastor long ago of a church in Western Massa- 

4 



50 MEMORIALS OF THE 

clmsetts. One day, visiting at the ]ionse of one of his parish- 
oners, the good lady coinphiined of liard times. lie took her 
to task for lier unchristian grumbling; telling her that if we 
liiid 2^otatoes and salt enough to eat, we should be content, and 
thankful to God for our blessings. Of course, in deference to 
the dictum of the ''minister, " she shut up, but had a thought 
or two, notwithstanding. In due time the dominie (no, minis- 
ter) was invited into another room for supper. On the table 
were a fine lot of baked potatoes and some salt — nothing raoiv. 
He reverently, and with full expression of thankfulness, in- 
voked a blessing, and with the rest sat down. Looking at the 
table, and then at the woman, he said: "Potatoes and salt are 
good, and we ought to be thankful to God that he has bounti- 
fidly supplied them to us. But it does seem to me, that since 
I am a minister, I ought to have a little bntter." 

^STow these settlers had corn and sugar, with fish and veni- 
son, and they were not ministers, and had no business to grum- 
1)le; and historic truth compels the writer to say, there is not 
even a tradition that they did grumble. 

In March the "victuals" came on from Detroit, and we are 
afraid that young Doctor Lincoln had some practice in conse- 
quence, but concerning that, contemporary history is reticent. 

At this point we will briefly sketch the history of those who, 
in 1833, formed the nucleus of civilized settlement in Ionia 
county. 

THE yeo:maxs FA:J.riLT. 

It has already been stated that tlie old pioneer is still, in 
feeble old age, a resident of Ionia. A long, useful and honor- 
able life is drawing to a close. He waits to be gathered to his 
lathers' the last of those Avho brought their families with 
them in 1833. His son, Sanford^ has always lived in Ionia. 
Amanda married the Hev. Alfred Cornell, and, as a mother in 
Israel, has passed from earth. 

Alanson and Iliram died as young men. Maria lives in 
Ionia as the wife of J. K. Sandford. Mary is the wife of G. 
II. McMullen. 

The Guild and Winsor families are, in their history, 
identified with Grand Eapids. 



GEAXD KIVER VALLEY. 51 

THE COEXELL FAMILY. 

Tlie father is elsewhere more particularly noticed in a Ijio- 
graphical article. 

His sons were Alfred, Daniel and Thomas, the last of 
whom came to Ionia with a wife and two children. 

There were four daughters: 

Mary married Asa Spencer (now of Otisco). She died in 
1853. ^ 

Lydia died single, in 1S35. 

Caroline is the M'ife of Mason Ilearsey. 

Sarah married Ezra Spencer, and resides at Saranac. 

1834 brought as accessions, 'Geo. Case, wife and two chil- 
dren, lie was drowned, 1836, at the mouth of the Thornap- 
])le, which he was crossing on horseback. 

William Doty, then a single man, brother-in-law of Case, 
came with them and still remains. 

John E. Morrison, with wife and one child. There is a 
fine residence across the river fi'ora Ionia, where Morrison, 
not much the worse for wear, is now to be found. 

The next year, 1835, brought more accessions: 

Mason Ilearsey, who has been a part of Ionia ever since. 

x\.lonzo Sessions—" May his shadow never be less." 

Job Sessions — always a part of Ionia history. 

Gilbert Caswell, with wife and five children. He lived in 
Ionia some fourteen years. With him came — 

Joseph Hadsall, wife and three children. He stayed bnt 
about tsvo years. • 

Elislia Doty, an old man, having with him a wife two 
dftughters and a son. The son, Charles Doty, died a few 
years since. One daughter, Maria, married James Crofibrd. 
She is dead. The other daughter soon went East. 

Dexter Arnold, brother of the blacksmith, with wife, and 
four children. He has always remained. 

Benjamin C. Barber came with Caswell, and still remains, 

Lyman "Webster bought out Joel Guild, but did not stay 
long. 

Samuel H. Yates, M'ith wife and son. He is dead. His 
son, J. Lockwood Yates, is still a resident of Ionia. 



52 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Osmond Tower (a single man). He who, in Ionia county, 
lias not known Tower, is himself unknown. 

Julius C. Abel, the first lawyer in the Yalley, first stopped at 
Grandville; next tried Ionia awliile, where he took a leadini; 
part. He then went to Grand Rapids, and was long a noted 
personage there. He died in 1873. 

John P. Plaice; he died at Prairie Creek. 
William McCosland, stayed several years; kept a hotel; 
moved to Wisconsin. 

So far as known, these are all v.'ho settled at or near Ionia 
before 1836. The organization of towns, placed some of these 
in Easton and Berlin. P)Ut, identified in interest, and consti- 
tuting a neigldiorhood, they have been considered as one. The 
three points in the county, from wliich settlement radiated, 
were Ionia, Lyons and Portland. 

The same principle will be adhered to in marking the ]n-o- 
gress of settlement, which, after 1835, was rapid for a time. 
It has been found impossible to give the names and history of 
but a portion of tliose who came in 1836. 

During that year settlers were pushing into almost all the 
towns in the county. Of those who, in '30, settled at or near 
Ionia, we have gathered the names of : 

Dan. D. Brockway, who was l)ut a transient resident. 
Sylvester Thompson, now a worthy farmer in Easton. 
Daniel Clapsaddle; he was killed at a raising. 
Mrs. Mary Smith, a widowed sister of S. Dexter. She had 
one son, Samuel E. Smith, and a daughter Jane, who married 
Sylvester Thompson. 

Jeremiah Eaton, stayed one year, and his courage gave out. 
George W. Dickinson, soon removed to Otisco; is now a 
resident of Grand Ilapids. 

There is little historic value in a further specification of in- 
dividuals, 1833-4-5 had opened the way, and it is due to 
those who were the pioneers, that their names should be a 
part of the traditions. The reports sent back by these, caused 
(Others to come, and it was comparatively an easy thing for 
them to get along. 

The colony did not neglect the wants of the young. As 



GRAND KIYER VALLEY. 53 

early as tlie winter of 1834-5, Dr. Lincoln tauglit a school for 
three months in a little building which he had for an office. 
The next fall, Mason Hearsej taught the first public school. 
Amanda Yeomans kept the first summer school in 1836. She 
was the first wife of Elder Cornell. She died in 1865, leaving 
the impress of a godly life. 

The Christian people early began to hold public worship at 
private houses, reading sermons, etc., before the advent of the 
one who, to use his own words, "had taken his life in his 
hands, and come all the way from Ohio, to go into the back- 
woods and preach the Gos23el to the heathen." 

This devoted luminary we will not here name. He was a 
Methodist circuit preacher, and came to teach the heathen at 
Ionia in 1835. He was a genuine specimen of the now ex- 
tinct class — *'the roaring Methodist," with a voice like the 
" bulls of Baslian." He had zeal enough for a dozen j^reach- 
ers, and lacked only brains and culture to have made him an 
acceptable preacher to the aforesaid heathen. At one time 
this missionary was roaring a hymn at a house wliere he was 
stopping. Having exploded it through, he asked a young wo- 
man present, if she sang. She told him she could sing, but 
did not. He said to her, "Those who can sing, and don't, 
should be made to sing." She snappishly replied, that those 
who could not sing without braying like a donkey, should be 
nuide to hold their noise. He sighed at the display of human 
depravity, and, in her presence, was afterwards unmusical. 

Soon appeared, as herald of the gospel, Larmon Chatfield, 
then a young man. He was the pioneer preacher in many of 
the tov/ns around; has always been identified with Ionia 
county, and the region around about it. Though not very 
old, Mr. Chatfield is superannuated and l)roken, a wreck of 
what he once was. As preacher and presiding elder, he spent 
his years of active life with a people that now honor him as 
the good man who did his best by example and precept to lead 
others to a higher life. AYhat is left of Chatfield is at Port- 
land. He is not what he once was — a man of vigor and mental 
strength — but he is still the Christian gentleman, genial and 
interesting wdien talking of scenes and events of long ago, but 



54 . MEMORIALS OF THE 

to whom tlie present is a blank, leaving no trace on his 
memory. 

Thv work is well done, Chatfield, and thy Master is calling 
thee!* 

A postoffice was established in Ionia in 1835; Mr. "Winsor, 
postmaster. 

STEPriXG BACK A LITTLE. 

Ill 1835, Ionia — what is now the whole county— first appears 
in the political world as a town attached to Kent county. The 
tirst town meeting was held at the house of Antoine Campau, 
April Gth, 1835; Alfred Cornell, Moderator; William V>. 
Lincoln, Clerk. (Sworn by S. Dexter, Esq.) Elected: 

Erastus Yeomans, Supervisor; AVilliam B. Lincoln, Clerk; 
Franklin Chubb, Gilbert Caswell, H. B. Libhart, Assessors; 
Philo Bogue, John E. Morrison, Nathan Benjamin, Commis- 
sioners of Highways; Samuel Dexter, John McKelv}', Direc- 
tors of Poor; Asa Spencer, Constable and Collector; Daniel 
McKelvy, Constable. 

At a special election. May 12th, called for that purpose, A. 
Cornell, George Case, and John McKelvy were elected Com- 
inissioners of Common Schools; and William D. Moore, A. 
Cornell, Jr., N'athaniel Soules, and William B. Lincoln were 
elected Inspectors of Schools. This started the common 
school system in Ionia county. 

At the second township meeting — the last when Ionia was 
attached to Kent county — the following officers were elected : 

J. C. Abel, Supervisor; J. E. Morrison, Clerk; J. Boyer, 
Asa Bunnell, E. Yeomans, Assessors; Nathanial Soules, Con- 
stable and Collector; I. Boyer, W. D. Moore, S. Dexter, Thos. 
Cornell, Justices; Wm. S. Bogue, Lorenzo Dexter, Consta- 
bles. 

This meeting was held April 4tli, 183G, the records say at 
Ionia; but tradition says at Generauville. Joshua Boyer was 
Moderator. 

In 1837, when Ionia consisted of two and a half tiers of 
townships, the first year after the establishment of the county, 

*Chatfield died in 1876. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 55 

Cyrus Lovell was elected Supervisor. Voted $50 to encourage 
killing wolves; also $50 for the poor. 

Skipping tlie special records of the succeeding elections, we 
Mill simply give the Supervisors for a few years: ISoS, Asa 
Silencer; 1S30, Cyrus Lovell; 1840, E. Yeomans. 

In 183^ Mr. Dexter, much to the joy of the people, put in 
a run of stones for grinding in his saw-miil. Before that, the 
]>eople had either availed themselves of the aforesaid big coffee- 
luiil, or had gone to Pontiac or Gull Prairie, to mill; some- 
times even carrying the grain on their shoulders. Incredible 
as the last may appear, it is nevertheless true, that in some in- 
stances it was done. In one instance, a man who had his grist 
on liis l)ack, returning from Gull Prairie, was out in a snow- 
storm, in which more tlian a foot of snow fell. He, however, 
]')ersevered, camped in the woods, and on the fifth day ai-rived 
at his home, in the last stage of exhaustion. His wife had 
given him up as dead, thinking he had perished in the storm, 
and set out to find him, following the trail. Thrilled with joy, 
she met him some miles from home. But so strong was the 
revulsion of feeling that she could not eat of that finir, pur- 
chased at so terrible a price. 

But in 1834, late in tlie season, they had a mill of their own. 
Tiie day when the first grist was ground, was observed as a 
holiday. Everybody, his wife and all his children, were there, 
to witness the great event, which showed them they were re- 
lieved from the dread necessity of going forty miles to mill. 
The first gric-t ground belonged to Asa Spencer. It is reported 
that it was tolled three times — first, by Dexter, then by Mather, 
the miller, and last bv John Dexter, because he thoua-ht the 
tolling had not been done. Be this true or not, the story has 
so floated down on the tide of time, and was long used to illus- 
trate the fact that, while the mill was a God-send to the people, 
it bid lair to be a good thing for the owner. This mill did 
sei-vice for a number of .years, and is remembered with grati- 
tude by every old pioneer. 

To Ionia — town and county — 1836 was a memorable year in 
more senses than one. A]i element of Ionia's prosperity 
wrought almost starvatioiL This vear a Land (.)fiice was loca- 



56 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ted tliere, and the fever for buying western lands on sj)ecnla- 
tion was running liigb. The rush of those greedy for lands 
was immense, so that applicants were often obliged to wait 
weeks before their turn Avould come. The olhce was lairly be- 
sieged by an elbowing crowd, each with his bag of specie, 
clamorous for his chance. These must be fed and lodged 
somehow. They ate the people out of their small, stores of 
provisions, and teams were dispatched to Pontiac for food. A 
killing frost had destroyed the corn-crop and injured the pota- 
toes. Ilow the ])eople wished the land-seekers had not such 
appetites! As^ potato after potato disappeared down their 
thrciats, the money looked mean, which they liberally ])aid. 
Ox teams were dispatched to Detroit, and some of the earliest 
sent were fortunate in their, journey. But in the winter the 
trip was terrible. Rivers must be crossed, with the anchor ice 
running; and the ground was in such a state as to render the 
transporting of a load, not impossible, but terribly difficult. 
Thirty days would be consumed in a trip to Detroit. But i)ro- 
visions unist be had, and with almost incredible labor they got 
them; and no one starved, though they ate what was obtained 
by the sweat of their brows. 

Notwithstanding what has been said. 18;3(J was tJte big year; 
for settlers, too numerons to particularize, came pouring in, 
and of the right sort, too. To individualize would be invidious, 
as this year closed with probably a thousand peo])le in It;)nia 
('i)unty. But it must be recollected that Ionia was then the 
whole of what was the next year the county. 

Then again, those who came in 1830 were not ])ioneei-s. 
Others had opened the way, and built saw-mills, a grist-mill; 
had raised crops, and "the poor had the Gospel preached nnto 
them " by Monett. 

But it is a noticeable fact that the men who have since l)een 
looked u]) to, were the men of '86, or the years preceding. A 
gentleman who was present at the raising of Alonzo Sessions' 
house, and saw the group of young men who had come to- 
gether, was forcibly struck l>y the impression that he had never 
seen so line a lot of young men together on such an occasion. 
Ill fact, a disproportional part of the earliest settlers of Ionia 



GRAXD EIVEll VALLEY. 57 

county were voung men of talent and cliaracter. They made an 
impression 'svliich has nijt been obliterated. This remark is 
measurably true of most of the towns in tlie county, strikingly so 
of Ionia; no tovvn anywhere, for intellect and moral worth has 
stood higher; the moral atmosphere has always been good, 
and the dominant influence on the side of virtue. JSTo place 
has done more for education or religion than Ionia; and there 
is no place where it is easier to rally the people in a good 
cause. For this, bless the early settlers. The time had come 
when ]^ew England was not, as when she settled ''ISTew Con- 
neticut " or northern Ohio, cleansing herself of the worthless 
]iart of her inhabitants. The time had come when the best 
and most enterprising of her sons were looking to the West. 

An Ohio man, some years ago, proj^osed as a toast, " Ohio 
and Kentucky — the former settled by the offscouring of Xew 
England: the latter by the elite of Virginia. See what free- 
dom has done for the one, and slaver}^ for the other." If, as 
is true, Ohio Avas settled by those whom Kew England could 
Avell spare, and its high civilization is a growth of an age, it 
is not true of the Grand River Yalley. The time had come 
when the flower of ]N^ew England and Western ]^ew York were 
going to the West, as was deeply felt by those who were left 
behind. Probably no Western State was settled by so good a 
class of people as Miciiigan. Young as she is, her institutions 
are being copied by the older Slates; and for civilization, re- 
finement and culture she need not blush in the presence of 
old Massachusetts, which is the pioneer of American civiliza- 
tion. Massachusetts is still fettered l)y some of her old ideas, 
which the freer genius of Michigan has discarded; and there- 
fore the strides of the young Michigan will be {\\e more rapid. 
But God bless the old "Mother of States." A little conserv- 
ative, as old people always are, she is a good, old motherly 
State, and her children call her blessed. 

But where are we? In Ionia, in 1S36. This year, in imita- 
tion of older places, the ith of July was celebrated; Alonzo 
Sessions, orator, and Thomas Cornell, caterer, on the occasion. 
Doubtless, the oration was good, for Mr. Sessions is not in the 
habit of speaking unless he has something to say. But tradi- 



58 MEMORIALS OF THE 

tion speaks not of his oration, except thai he orated. But to 
show that tlie ancients were not very different from the 
moderns, while the intellectual feast is forgotten, the dinner 
and the dance are still held in cherished remembrance. Vi\ 
that dinner Mr. Cornell established^iis reputation, and the 
dance is the one to "which the grey veterans now look back as a 
season when youth and beauty beguiled the hours in such a 
way that the remembrance of it is a pleasure. They had not 
a band of music, for all they could muster for the day's pa- 
rade was a hfe and drum. In tlie morning's divertisement they 
had the strains of a backwoods Paganini — John Smith — and 
we will suppose that " soft eyes looked love to eyes that spoke 
a^ain," for that is nature. But, while the season was one of 
social jollity, it was one where self-respect was preserved; they 
were not dependent on artificial excitement; they were too 
self-respecting to need or tolerate intoxicating drinks. When 
the small hours of morning bade them seek their homes, all 
were sober, all were happy. 

That dance is one of the sweet remembrances of the " good 
old times '' when social intercourse had a soul in it. 

Passing 183G, the history of Ionia, for a series of years, is a 
history of her losses of territory. Divided in 1837, by a north 
and south line, into Ionia and Maple, and then shorn of one 
township after another, we find her a simple town with a snug 
little village — the county seat— with a slow but steady growtli, 
until the completion of the D. &M. railroad; then, instead of 
being herself a tributary of Grand Rapids, she became the 
central and market town of Ionia county. 

Ionia has no natural advantages; it owes its existence, even as 
a village, to the fact that on the arrival of tlie first settlers, the 
Indians had a clearing, which they obtained; and that being 
nearly central, it was by the infant county made the county 
scat, aiid to the location of the U. S. Land Office there. The 
two last gave it a preecdeiice over Lyons, which had some nat- 
ural advantages. The prestige which it obtained by being the 
center of public business, it has kept up; and business euter- 
]irise has not been lacking. Slie had the start of Ly(jns before 
tlie railroad came, and the I'aili'oad left Lyons in the lurch. 



GRAND RIVEIl V.U.LEY. 50 

From tlie time that Ionia cut loose from lier dependence on 
Grand Kapids her progress has been steadily onward. Trade 
received an impulse, some manufactories were started, and 
■wealth sought investment there. Beautiful residences began 
to adorn the hill-side and the plain; line churches arose; and 
a noble scliool house — the pride of the place — crowned her 
hill-top; and Ionia became a cit3^ She is not, and cannot be 
a great city; but it is, and will be, a place where people will 
delight to locate for a pleasant, home-like vicinity. Ionia 
prides itself on the good order, moral worth and respectability 
of the people. It is not a favorable place for the bands of 
" bogus niggers" to exhibit; they are a little too self-respect- 
ing for such. Temperance bas a strong hold on the people; 
though it must be confessed, some few people do drink on the 
sly, or have some infirmity that calls for medicine. A fe^v 
boys walk the streets with a cigar in their mouths; for it must 
not be supposed that in a place as large as Ionia all will know 
what belongs to a gentleman, or that all the boys have been 
well brought up. 

Ionia was incorporated as a village in 1855; as a city in 
1873. 

TRADITIONS OF IONIA. 

In 18-12, a man got drunk at a tavern, and on his way home 
fell from his "wagon and broke his neck. He was carried back 
to the tavern; and his funeral held in the bar-room, in view 
of all the display of what steals one's brains, and makes man 
a brute. TheKev. Mr. Overheiser conducted the services. 

As Mr. A. F. Bell has repented of all his vices, and reformed, 
as we sincerely hope, we may be excused if we tell a story or 
two of him in that time of his life, when, to use his own lan- 
guage, "he had a fine chance for improvement." 

There lived in the town, a Dr. Beckwith; quite a character 
in his way, as may i)e seen from his feasting the Lyonese. 
Bell had mortally ofiended the Doctor; and in his wrath the 
Doctor challenged him to settle the the afiair " according to 
the code of honor." Bell accepted the challenge; chose pota- 
toes for the weapons; the place, the bridge across the Grand 
Eiver, the parties standing at opposite ends and discharging 



60 MEMORIALS OF THE 

their missiles until honor was satisfied. Witli ineffable dis- 
gust. Beckwitli refused to have anything to do witli one, who 
could show so blood-thirsty a S23irit; and insist on sucli 
ungentlemanly terms. 

This same irrepressible Bell and another were once crossing 
the Looking Glass River on a log, when a deer was floated against 
it by the current. They seized the deer, held his head under 
water, and drowned him. Having taken off" his skin, they car- 
ried it on a pole between them to Lyons. On the way they met 
a man, who was surprised to see them with a fresh deer skin, as 
they had no gun. He asked them how they killed it. Bell 
told him the facts in the case, but the man said, " Tell that to 
some green-horn that don't know anything." " That's just 
what I did," was the cool answer. 

In 1856, a beautiful little girl, seven years old, the daugh- 
ter of ^ Page, went out riding on her pony, accompanied 

by an older girl. In the ])rincipal street the saddle turned, 
and the child hung by her foot in the stirrnp. Frightened, she 
screamed, which startled the pony, which, after dodging about 
a moment, ran for the stable. The child's head was struck 
against the side of the stable door, and she was killed. What 
renders this peculiarly aggravating is, when the saddle turned, 
and the pony was shying here and there, a dozen men were near, 
yet no one had the presence of mind or courage to fly to the 
rescue and seize the beast. Coinment is needless. 

The first wheat exported from Ionia was sent down the 
river by Giles Isham, in 1839 — 2,254 bushels. 

The first birth in Ionia county was that of Eugene Winsor, 
son of Darius Winsor, which happened in 1833. 

Winsor has the credit of being the first born of white pa- 
rents in the Grand River Valley, but Emily Slater got the 
start of him by eight or nine years. 

The following article is from the pen of one who knows 
whereof he wrote, the Hon. Alonzo Sessions: 

"No adequate idea can be formed of the difficulties and 
dangers attending the first settlement of Ionia county, with- 
out taking into account the condition at the time. It was a 



ORAXD KIVEK VALLEY. 61 

vast wilderness, a hundred miles distant from otiier settle- 
ments, with no roads for communication in any direction, and 
no possible channel for supplies but the circuitous, hazardous 
and expensive water communication around the lakes and up 
the Grand Kiver. The whole country was in the possession of 
a strange and savage people, who would naturally regard the 
new-comers as not entitled to a friendly welcome; with 
abundant leisure, always armed, and with sagacity enough to 
know that the incomers were at their mercy, 

"With scanty supplies; with continued uncertainty as to ob- 
taining more; with no shelter, except the poor wigwams pro- 
vided by the Indians; with everything to make and l)uild 
anew; with all the hazards of toil, exposure, sickness, suffer- 
ing, starvation and death, they boldly took the risk, and con- 
(piered every obstacle. By kind treatment and honest dealing, 
the Indians soon became friends, and often supplied the mate- 
rial most in need wdien hunger came and famine threatened. 
With a kindness or prodigality unknown among thrifty, cau- 
tious people, they would divide their food, or part with all of 
it, by turns, if the inducements were satisfactory. They often 
became useful allies in navigating streams, and in other pur- 
suits; and when the early settlers got in a condition to produce 
a surplus of food, for a time after pay-day they were very 
good customers; and a limited commerce with them was con- 
stant, and beneficial on both sides. 

Under such circumstances, of course it was impossible for a 
weak colony to n)ake rapid progress. But men who had the 
courage to make the attempt, were not the men to fail, and the 
work progressed steadily from the outset. Fields were made 
and planted; houses, mills and barns were built, and the work 
went gradually, but surely on; gatliering numbers, tone, 
strength and power to the present time. 

The first settlers, like all pioneers, had a village, perhaps 
citv, in imagination in the immediate future, on their purchase, 
and the location of tlie county-seat for some time became a 
very interesting matter to them, and resulted in tlieir favor. 
A stake was stuck in the ground and named "'Ionia Center," 
thouo:h not verv near the center of tlie countv. 



03 MEMORIALS OF TJIE 

Yery soon after the location of the county seat, the U. S. 
Land Office was also moved there; and was the occasion of 
great rejoicing, but it proved a very unfortunate thing for the 
county. At the very time when the mania for specuhiting in 
wild lands was raging, and the fever at its extreme height, the 
Land Office was opened in the midst of an extensive tract of 
the most valuable lands, just thrown upon the market, by offi- 
cers so A'oid of all sense of honor, as to j^ractice daily, in o])eu 
daylight, the most bare-iaced frauds upon poor men, that 
desired small tracts to live on; and a criminal favoritism in the 
interest of those who had money to bribe them, and to secure 
large acres, to hold wild and waste. 

Just at that time President Jackson's " Specie Circular'' 
came in force; and that enabled greedy officials to swindle 
honest purchasers, in detail, and in bulk. It would require 
too mncli space to describe all the methods of frand and 
swindling that were practiced, but a few of them will be given, 
to- wit: The law required that each parcel of land should be 
first offered at auction. The bids Mere required to be in writ- 
ing, and placed in a box, previous to the day of sale. When 
the time for final decision came, all bids were missing, except 
the one put in by the favored one, Agaiii, only gold or silver, 
or the bills of a few favored l)anks were receivable for land?. 
This was a surprise, sprung by the "specie circular;" aud 
many — in fact most poor men — came unprepared. The nearest 
banks were at Detroit, 140 iniles distant; and no road. A 
broker's office, across the street from the Land Office, was a 
good thing to have, for gold and silver was in demand at 10 
per cent, premium. The broker's office sold specie while the 
supply lasted; but gave out before noon and night. At night 
and at noon boxes were seen to jjass from the Land Office ti> 
the broker's; and the specie, used to buy land was used twice 
each day, and somebody pocketed 20 cents on each dollar of it 
every day, and the money was taken from the pockets of those 
that had no money to spare. 

The result is soon told. Those who come to buy land to 
make themselves homes, soon became disgusted, and left. It 
may be wondered why they did not tear down the Land Office, 



GKAND ETVER VALLEY. 63 

and tli3 office of the broker. But General Jackson was Presi- 
dent, and " by tlie Eternal " it might not have been safe. Tliey 
left peaceably, and the speculators, as they are called, took the 
land and held it from settlement and improvement. Some 
paid taxes upon it and others let it be sold for taxes; and the 
titles became mixed and doubtful, and careful men shun it. 
Much remaining uncultivated and wild to-day. 

The men who interfered to retard the settlement and improve- 
ment of the county, probably had no such purpose. Most of 
them are punished. But the lact remains — if they had kept 
away, and left the land for those who needed it, and would have 
made a good use of it, Ionia county would to-day be worth 
double what it is, and would be second to no merely agricultu- 
ral county in the State." 

BAPTIST cnUECII I>" lONLV. 

The settlers in Ionia were not unmindful of their spiritual 
needs, and as early as June, 1836, took the initiatory steps to 
organize a church. Under the guidance of Elder E. Loomis, 
agent of tlie American Home Mission Society, the prelim- 
inary steps were taken to effect a church organization; steps 
which resulted in the establishment of the "First Baptist 
Church of Ionia; " which church is the "pioneer church" of 
Ionia county, and, with the exception of the Mission Church 
at Grand liapids, the first in the Grand Hiver Yalley. 

An interesting and extended history of this church has been 
written and published by Dr. Lincoln, one of those who founded 
the church, and who still lives as one of its venerated mem- 
bers. From this history of the church by Lincoln, we con- 
dense and select, to bring it within the province of this work, 
the following particulars; 

The first banded members of the preliminary organization 
were: 

Samuel Dexter, Erastus Yeomans, Alfred Cornell, and 
their wives. June 24th, 1834. 

At a meeting on the 23rd of August, Benjamin Barber was 
received by letter, and W. B. Lincoln was received as a candi- 
date for ba]3tism. At this meeting the church was organized. 



64 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The next meeting Lincoln was baptized, and was elected 
cliurch clerk. 

On tlie IStli of Feb., 1S3T, tlie cliurch met at tlie school 
house in Dist. No. 1, and adopted articles of faitli and cove- 
nant, and received by letter — 

Geo. Dexter and wife, Wm. Wood and wife, Jeremiiih Eaton, 
Candis Dexter, Justus Barber, Mercy Smith, Delilah Clap- 
saddle. 

There also appear as members of the church, J. Eaton and 
Robert S. Parks. At this date the membership was twenty. 
In May, 1837, Elder Gangster, his wife and daughter united 
with the church, and he became its pastor, in which relation 
he continued until Aug., 1840, when he was succeeded by 
Rev. PI. D. Buttolph, who continued pastor until the close of 
1841. In 1845, Elder Alfred Cornell became pastor, and con- 
tinued in that relation seventeen years. During liis time, a 
house of worship was erected; the church recruited, and from 
detachments from it, other churches were formed. 

Since 1863 the church lias been ministered to by J. II. 
Morrison, two years; Elder Cornell, two years; Levi Parmely, 
four years, during which time the new brick church was built; 
J. Rowley, one year; Elder Deland (as supply for a time). 

Present pastor, 1875, Rev. E. O. Ta^dor. Membershij), ^50. 

Other churches may complain at the comparatively large 
space given to the Baptist Church in Ionia. The reasons are, 
it is the pioneer church, and a warm-hearted member of it, 
<'0)i aniore, has furnished aliundant material. A great major- 
ity of the churches have failed to make any report at all ; and 
of many, all that is said, is the gleaning of a sinner, who 
made arrangements with some leading member of every churcli 
for the particulars of its history. If any churches are not 
noticed, it is from their own failure to interest themselves 
in it, 

LYONS. 

It will be recollected that for a time Ionia county was all 
one town, and attached to Kent county. In 1837, this big 



GEAND KIVEK VALLEY. 65 

town was divided, and a tier and a half of townsliips on the 
east were set off from Ionia, and organized as Mapk\ Maple; 
in ti:rn, was sliorn of her fair proportions hy the oi-ganizatioii 
of towns, set off. What was left, in 1840, dropping- the name 
of Maple, assumed that of Lyons, in compliment to the Hon. 
Lncins Lyon, who figured prominently in the Grand River 
Valley in the earlier years of its history. 

Those ava?it combers of civilization, the Indian Traders, had 

located there about 1830. These were Louis Generau, 

Brown, and Wm. Hunt ; the two last without their families. 
Generau liad identified himself with the Indians by taking an 
Indian wife. Ho and Brown soon disappear from the scene. 
Hunt, in 1831, l)ronglit on his family, and lived and died at 
Lyons. 

There was also located there a lawyer by the name of Belcher, 
with several men in his employ or gang, ostensibly trading 
with the Indians, but in reality carrying on the manufacture 
of " bogus." Belcher soon disappears, and they say that, hav- 
ing commenced life in a way that gave him a fine chance to 
improve, he has made good the opportunity; that he is not the 
Belclier that headed a "bogus " gang at Lyons. N'o, no; that 
was another fellow; no relation of his, and he knows nothing 
of him. Wishing to encourage all laudable efforts f )r amend- 
ment, we will not tell the name or whereabouts of that Belcher. 

The first who, by bringing his family, gave evidence that he 
meant to stay, was Henry B. Lebhart. Mr. Hunt had been 
there some time making np his mind whether to settle or not, 
and did afterwards take np his permanent residence, but not 
until a year after Lebh.art's appearance. Therefore, by com- 
mon consent, Mr. L. was the pioneer settler. It will not be 
without interest to follow him in his track. 

Lebhart then (1833) was a young man of talent, with a wife 
and young family. He came on in April, selected his lands, 
went back to Naples, Ontario county, IST. Y., and came with 
his family, prepared to build a saw-mill, and was accompanied 
by teams, bringing his traps in general and the machinery of 
his mill. He meant business. Some things he sent round 
the lakes. Thev had to make their roads, and were over 20 



06 MEMORIALS OF THE 

days coming from Detroit. At what is now Lansingburg, 
Shiawassee comity, Lebhart left liis teams, and with two of his 
horses, his wife and chiki, ])nshed on, following Indian trails, 
and arrived at his chosen site, where Lyons now is, July 4th, 
1833 (a little more than two months after the arrival of the 
lirst settlers at Ionia). Mrs. Lebhart, at the time of their 
arrival, was in the last stage of exhanstion from fatigue. She 
could not stand. She and her child were carried by the Indi- 
ans to their settlement on the left bank of the river, and put in 
the quarters of Belcher and his band. There she was laid on 
a pile of bear-skins. Mrs. L. had before a slight acquaint- 
ance with Ijelcher and his wife, and he acted a gentleman's 
part in befriending her and hers while temporarily an inmate 
of his house. The gang acted suspiciously, evidently feeling 
that she was a spy on their conduct; and Belcher seemed de- 
termined to protect her at all hazards, never leaving her a 
moment unprotected. " Give the devil liis due/' is an old 
proverb. Let Belcher be what he might, he was chivalrously 
honorable in the execution of the charge he had undertaken. 
There were wranglings between him and his men on her ac- 
count. She believed they wanted to kill her, esj^ecially after 
they knew" that she had fonnd out their business. He never 
left Iver and her child for five days, or until another shelter 
was provided for them, and the teams had come in with their 
provisions. They were supplied by the Indians. 

'^Yliile she, in her feeble, exhausted state, was lying in 
Belcher's cabin, she was a great object of curiosity to the In- 
dians, who were continually coming to see the " White Squaw.*' 
At one time she awoke, to be frightened by the sight of a big 
Indian standing over her with a knife in his hand drawn back 
behind him, as if ready to plunge it into her, he fixing his 
eyes intently n^^on her; she screamed and fainted. Belcher 
rushed to her side, and told her that he was a good Indian, 
and that he was simply ga/ing at her with curiosity, and that 
he merely happened to have his knife in his hand to cut some 
tobacco. This afterwards she well knew was true — that he 
was a good Indian — and a good friend he proved to be to the 
" White Squaw." 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 67 

The jonrnej from Detroit was one of fearful hardsliips — cut- 
tiiicj roads, fording streams, building bridges, etc. The "nios- 
qnitoes were awful," bloodthirsty and. unrelenting, Lebliart, 
fearing his wife and child could not endure much longer, left, 
as before said, and pushed on, leaving the rest of the men to 
endure the hardships of the journey, and. to tight the irrelig- 
ious, uncircumcised mosquitoes as best they could. Eut they 
got tlirough in a few days — a set of as tired sinners as ever 
welcomed an Indian camp, or launched their curses at 
"skeeters." 

The child spoken of above is now ]Mrs. Ed. B. zVrmstrong, 
of Saranac. 

The first birth at Lyons was in 1834 — a son of Mrs. Lebhart, 
which died in a few days. 

Lebhart and family lived in a tent until he had got up the 
saw-mill, and sawed boards for a house. The Indians were 
very kind, bringing provisions, etc. They had only scant 
clothing ; bringing only what they wore, sending the rest 
around the lakes. Such clothes as they wore they got of the 
Indians; their own did not come for two years, and then all 
spoiled. Their other goods came all right. 

During the tirst year, Mrs. L. was chased by a big grav 
wolf 

Mr. Lebhart was always a prominent man at Lyons. He 
M'as the pioneer Fourth of July orator of the West ; at least 
west of Pontiac. How the historian's pen would delight to 
linger over the scenes of that day. From the woods and 
clearings the settlers had come in, in their best array, with 
their wives and lassies, drawn by ox teams. The Indians, 
knowing that the white people were going to have their big 
"■ pow-wow," came out in all their paint and feathers to wit- 
ness the scene. And, if we may credit mythology, the gods 
of the sky and regions below were looking on in gaping expec- 
tancy. Jupiter, in form of a big owl, was perched in the top 
of a tree. Pluto, as an Indian, sat on a log near by; Nep- 
tune, in the form of a big bull-frog, was in the edge of the 
meadow, peeping out of a bog ; and anon lie would lift his 
voice and say " big thing ! " Mercurj', in guise of a pigeon. 



G8 MEMORIALS OF THE 

sat on a tree, ready to cany the report to the assembled coun- 
cil on Olympus. Venus, as a young squaw, was squatted on 
the ground, with Cupid, her fat pappoose on her back ; and 
Mars, as a red-headed wood-pecker, was lazily clinging to the 
side of a tree. The day wore on ; and this is (from memory), 
tlie report of the next Olympian Chronicle: " The morning sun 
was auspicious of a l)eautiful day for the celebration of the 
anniversary of a nation's birth. Coincident with the first 
•j'lancino; of the beams of the rising sun on the trees in the 
east, the booming of an extemporized cannon (a bellows nose) 
announced the sunrise of the glorious morning. The flag (six 
bandanna handkerchiefs) was floating in the wind. A barrel 
of whiskj' was rolled out on the green. At ten o'clock the 
meadow was alive with the denizens of the forest, who had 
come to do honor to the occasion and the day. At eleven, the 
procession was formed, marshaled by Bell, and headed by the 
pioneer band — a fife and a jews-harp. Arrived at the stand, 
the orator took up his glowing theme. Report, if you please, 
the chain-lightning. It is reported by the crasliing thunder. 
But on this occasion the celestial reporter was obliged to throw 
down his jJP-n, and, witli the rest, join in the hand-clapping, and 
the shouting, "Bully!" Then followed the feast and the social 
hilarity, when men and gods forgot all distinction, and on equal 
terms commingled. Jupiter, an owl no longer, l)ut an Indian 
chief, tripped lightly in the dance with Mrs. Lebhart on the 
green; Mercury, in the form of A. F. Bell, cavorted with the 
young Indians, to the infinite delight of Yenus, who at the 
time was playing the agreeable to Cocoosh. But why partic- 
ularize? When all were jovial, who was the jolliest? As the 
sun, which, cloudless during the day, had admiringly looked on 
the scene, was slowly and reluctantly descending to the west, 
the crowd dispersed to their several homes. They mounted 
tlieir ox-wagons, cracked their whips, and shouted "Ge-lang!" 
wliile tlie bellows-nose exploded in a farewell peal, Avhich seemed 
to be liberty's shout, ''Long live America! long live Lyons!" 
The accuracy of the above cannot be attested. Old Mercury, 
the reporter, was given to story-telling, and had no more truth 
in him than a modern reporter. This report is to be taken, as 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 69 

Tliucydides wisely remarks, "cu7n grano sails ^'^'^ which is freely 
interpreted by putting your thumb on your nose and wagging- 
your little finger! 

This was the first, but by no means the last or most memor- 
able celebration of Independence at Lyons. One, a few years 
later, '' is still to memory dear." As a preliminary, we may state 
that Dr. Beckwith had been made the butt of ridicule, througli 
a surreptitiously obtained letter of his to the " school-marm ;'■ 
copies of which, to liis intense disgust, and to the infinite 
mirth of the Lyonese, had been ^^osted on the trees and 
fences. "When the "glorious 4th" came around, the Doctor, 
to make them forget tlio joke at his expense, provided the 
feast of the day. A beautiful dinner was spread, and all p)ar- 
took of the baked pigs, that had been seasoned Math Crotou 
oil. History sometimes draws a veil — it vnll kindly do so 
Iiere. 

Excuse digression. We will come back to 1833, during 
which the company increased to 20 persons. Of these, were 
Wm. Moore and family, among whom were two sons, William 
and Daniel; Xathan Benjamin, David Hunt, John Gee, John 
Knox and family, and William Merrill. 

William Hunt has before been spoken of. He came on to 
stay in 1834. He lived in tlie village, kept a kind of a " stop- 
ping place," where people could get something to eat, and 
sleep " heads and points " on the floor. He had no regular 
business — traded with the Indians a little, hunted bees, fished, 
and did "odd jobs," He was a good, but not prominent citi- 
zen. When Isham put up a better tavern, Hunt removed to 
a farm three miles out of town, where he died about 1858. 
His widow survived him about four years; she had long been 
blind. His daughter Ruth was the first teacher in the town 
of Keene. She married Benjamin Thompson, and "moved 
West." Another daughter (from whom these facts are gleaned ) 
is now Mrs. Conner, of Easton. 

A good story is told of these Hunt girls, and our friend 
Blanchard, of Ionia. The girls, out blackberry ing, treed a 
hear. One of them stayed to keep him up the tree, while the 
other ran to Roof's office for help. Blanchard rallied several 



70 MEMORIALS OF THE 

men, who, with dogs and guns, were at the spot in short order. 
Finding the heroic girl had kept the bear treed, instead of 
shooting him where he was, they wished to have some sport. 
So they, at first politely making their best bow to Brnin, in- 
vited him to come down, and play with the dogs. 13ut he 
only put his paw to his nose, as much as to say, " I don't as- 
sociate with dogs." They then threw clubs at him, but he 
only growled. Blanchard said, "I'll bring liini down." The 
tree forked near the ground. Bruin was on one part, and 
Blanchard, with a club, sprung up the other, and struck the 
l)ear, they being on a level. Mr. Bear felt himself insulted; 
and clinging with one paw to his limb, made a sweep with the 
other at the one who had desecrated his sacred nose. His 
sweep was one inch too short to hit Blanchard; but it took 
from him his vest and shirt; and the poor sinner hung to his 
limb, not daring to move, about as scared a fellow as ever 
bore the name of Blanchard. The others, seeing the predica- 
ment, gave up the idea of sport at the bear's expense, and 
shot him, to Blanchard's infinite relief. He, while there, 
made a vow never to go into a tree again with a bear; and 
that vow has been religiously kept. 

Talking of Blanchard, we will tell one more story, of which 
he is one of the heroes and the narrator. 

He was master of ceremonies at a pioneer- wedding. Tlie 
event came ofi:' in a log house with but one room; and the 
(jfficiating ofiicer was a newly elected Justice of the Peace, who 
had never seen any one inarried. Being ayistice, he knew it 
was his business to swear people, but he was saddly puzzled 
as to what kind of an oath to administer liere. All were 
ready, the couple had come down the ladder; were duly 
])araded by Blanchard, and the justice ^jlaced before them. He 
(the justice) stood hesitating; Blanchard nudged him, and 
told him to proceed. He still stood as though petrified; B. 
nudged him again, and told him to go ahead. The justice in 
a loud voice said: 

'' Mr. Jeremiah Hunt, hold up your hand. Do you swear 
by God Almiglity that you take this woman for your wife?" 

Answer, — " Yes." 



GExVND EIVEK VALLEY. 71 

"Miss Ann Trip, do you swear by God Almigdity that jou 
take this man for your husband?" 

Answer. — " Yes." 

"Then I swear by God Alraiglity that you are man and 
wife; and God Ahnighty's curse on the one that shall separate 
you! Amen." 

The historian has not tokl who tliat justice was. But he 
was neither tlie first nor the hist justice who was daunted out 
of his wits, tlie first time he was called upon to tie the knot 
hymenial. The " humble speaker" knows that by his own woful 
experience. (See Ilarj^er's Magazine, 1863; Editor's Drawer.) 

One story more, and we will dismiss the irrepressible 
Blanchard for the present. He and another fellow were 
students with Roof. (Wo say " the other fellow," for fear Mr. 

will be ofi'ended.) Mr. E. sent them to manage a 

justice suit in another township. They started, and on their 
way were full of their first cause. It was arranged between 
them that Blanchard should examine the witnesses, and the 
other sliould do the pleading. The suit was tried in a log house, 
which was raised some feet from the ground; an open door on 
each side. Young Blackstone got up to plead the cause, stand- 
ing with his back toward the door. He commenced "May it 
please the Court, Sir! " And there stuck; spitting two or three 
times, he said again: "May it pleate the Court, Sir!'''' step- 
])ing back a step or two at the same time; but there he stuck 
again. Growing desperate, he a third time exploded: "May 
it please the Cour«t, /Sir/f And stepping back again, fell 
out of the door, turning a summersault as he went. Crawling 
on his hands and knees, he stuck his head in the back door, 
and s;iid: "Go to hell with your old court!" 

History moves slow when Blanchard is around. AVith him 
on the brain, we got ofi' the track, and were guilty of at least 
one anachronism; in our recollections of the report in the 
" Olympic Chronicle," A. F, Bell was not, as an historical fact, 
the one who figured on that occasion, for he was not there, as 
will be seen by what follows. But as it is just like him, and 
the story is written^ it shall stand. We hate to back down. 
Fowler, in his chart of our head said, " self-esteem, very large ^ 



72 MEMORIALS OF THE 

iirmness, inordinate." Therefore we have a character to sus- 
tain, as well as the rej^utation of the phrenologist. We will 
leave Lyons to itself until 1836. Some more settlers had, in 
the meantime, pitched their tents, and there was beginning to 
be the appearance of civilization. 1836 was the year of a 
general irruption of settlers and speculators into Ionia county. 
The location of the Land Office at Ionia, and the widely circu- 
lated report of the character of the lands caused a rush, wliicli 
was almost inconceivable. This is spoken of in connection 
with Ionia. Among those wlio, won by the fame of the new 
Elysium, came on and pitched at Lyons, were Adam L. Roof, 
a young lawyer, and xV. F. Bell. They, with indefinite pur- 
pose, found themselves in Michigan, at Jackson. Jackson was 
then a shanty town, with little to invite their stay. Here they 
iTot news that the Land Office was o:oino; to be removed to 
Ionia, and they made up their minds to go there. They had 
a boat built at Jackson, and put out down the river. About 
ten miles down they found a jam of logs, which they got 
around with the aid of some passing Indians. They camped 
in Eaton county, and in the night were much disturbed l)y 
some mosquitoes, who came to "interview" them, and by tlie 
serenaders that were out, probably to do them honor. Bat 
they — two inexperienced young lawyers — supposed the serena- 
ders were hungry, and wanted them for supper. Just so the 
kindest intentions are often misinterpreted. It may liere be re- 
marked that they recognized the voice of a panther among the 
serenaders. Of those panthers, more anon. A screecli-owl 
joined his unmelodious voice in the general chorus of welcome. 
Tliat bird is singularly unfortunate, few admiring his music. 
At times dragging their boat, and again floating in it, 
camping on the bank at night, the fourth night found them at 
Stone Ledge. On the .jth day they had tlieir supreme terror. 
They were boarded by a frightful " big Indian," who called out 
*'Quasli-a-gum!" Ball, who was saying his prayers at the 
time, for fear had disposed his heart ta prayer, pointed to his 
gun; but the Indian pointed to tlie provision box, and made 
signs tliat he M'as hungry. Witliout waiting to say "Amen, " 
Bell gave the Indian some food, and he left. This Indian waa 



GKAND EIVEE VALLEY. 73 

• 

Squa-gun, less frightful in cliaracter than in looks. He was 
far from being an Adonis; more have mistaken him for Apol- 
lyon. When he left, the pallid fear and the voice of prayer 
were changed to mirth, and jokes at each other's expense. 
Bell complimented Roof on the alabaster whiteness of his 
countenance, as becoming a youthful Appollo, and Roof, (the 
sinner), said if he had Bell's pathos in prayer, he would 
abandon the bar, and be a preacher. They shot a deer, and 
secured the hams, as their larder was low, and went on to a hut, 
occupied by a French trader, named Faro ; took a trail across 
the bend of the river to Portland, leaving the canoe and bag- 
gage with Faro, to be sent around by an Indian. At Portland 
they found white men, and sung " Te Deum Laudamus." There 
they attended a wedding — that of Joshua Boyer and Susan 
Moore. Arrived at Lyons, and pleased with the a^jpearance of 
things, they concluded to stay. About the time they arrived 
the Indians had their " Green Corn Dance " and " Painted 
Pole Dance," at which time they visited the graves, and made 
their offerings to appease the Great Spirit. 

Lyons, or as it was called by the Indians, Cocoosh, was a 
prairie — an Indian clearing of 1,100 acres, named after a 
noted chief. Cocoosh was a negro, who, as a boy of twelve 
years, was in the war of 1812, taken by the Indians. When 
he grew up they made him a chief. He was buried on the 
left bank of the river, in front of the Sons of Temperance 
Hall. A picket fence, painted red, was around his grave. 

Roof and Bell, finding no law wanted, shantied on the hill, 
where Roof now resides, kept bachelor's hall, and turned their 
attention to surv^eying — especially to the laying out of cities. 
They, in company with Findley, laid out the city of Lyons, in 
1837: platted about 1,000 acres. Taking Fred Hall as ax- 
man, they platted eight cities in the wilderness. People had 
found out where cities ought to be; but of all of them, Lyons 
is the only one that ever rose to be a village. First, they laid 
out iSTew Burlington, in Clinton county, now a farm; second, 
Clinton Salt Works, now a farm ; third, Gratiot Salt Works, at 
the bend of Maple River (now a good farm). Then Clinton 
Centre, south of St. Johns (no village there). The fate of 



74 MEMORIALS OF THE 

I* 

the others was the same. The places refused to be aiijtlimg 
more than a map. Lots were sold at the East in tliese prom- 
ishig embryo cities; and rueful were the looks of those who 
came on to improve their purchases. There were a good 
many green ones in those times — the progenitors of those now- 
living. They would select from maps, lots ill '' College 
Square" or ''Arcade Street;" pay their money; take their 
deeds, and come on to see and improve tlieir lots. " College 
Square" was a swamp, miles from a house; and "Arcade 
Street" was a gully, with its muddy brook. Didn't they 
swear! But who pitied the fools? Then it was that "Yankee 
cuteness" was developing itself into "Michigan cussedness," 
and rapid was the development thereof Tiien it was that 
" wildcat " money furnished tlie wind to blow up many a bub- 
ble. How beautiful those bubbles were! But they were but 
bubbles, and burst, of course. I^othing was thought of but 
land and lots. All were going to be rich. But when the 
" Specie Circular " brought all up with a jerk, happy was he 
who had an old horse and harness, or something called prop- 
erty. The money afloat was useless, except to light a pipe. 
The owners of lots would let them be sold for a six cents' tax. 
Many were in the condition of the Irishman, who, passing a 
pasture wdiere a big bull was feeding, conceived the idea of 
taking him by the horns and rubl)ing his nose in the dirt. 
Full of the idea, he rolled on the ground, convulsed with 
the wildest laughter. Springing over the fence he seized the 
horns of tlie bull. When all was over, he said, " It M'as well 
I had my laugh before I got over the fence." 

One word, on dismissing tliese surveyors, Eoof, Bell and 
Hall. The two first, after winning position at the bar, sunk 
into the Legislature, and the last we hear of the third, he was 
mayor of Ionia. 

" Youthful hopes, and youthful promise, 
Here see what they end in." 

The specie circular, in 1S3T, found Lucius Lyon ini])roving 
the place. lie was carrying out his schemes of building a 
hotel, a dam, a bridge, etc. Gentle reader, have you ever, when 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 75 

riding at full speed on a spirited horse, liad liim come sqnare 
against a stump? Could jou keep in the saddle, or did you tind 
yourself in the air, and then, bruised, bleeding, and devoid of 
any feeling of manly dignity, crawling out of a mud-hole?" 
Lucius Lyon was, by the pressure of the times, obliged to aban- 
don his wisely conceived schemes, and Lyons languished. 

The splendid water-power at Lyons was developed by degrees, 
until it is one of the best in the State, and one which will nuike 
Lyons a manufacturing town. Lucius Lyon began its devel- 
opment. In 1856, Daniel Ball, having secured some interests 
in Lyons, proposed to improv(; the water-po\ver, provided the 
citizens would take hold with liim, and work for their own 
interest. They came down to the tune of $8,000. The work 
was undertaken, but came to a stand, when a number of the 
citizens organized the "Lyons Water Power Company," 
Ijought out Ball's interest, completed the dam and race, so 
tliat the water-j)0wer is a success. 

The village was incorporated, in 1857. A new charter was 
secured in 1868, Its growth has been slow. Its visions of 
greatness are things of the past, and the Lyonese are content 
to be a village. They are proud of the unsurpassed, loveliness 
of the location, which attracts the eye of every passer-by. The 
beauty of its scenery made it a competitor for the State 
capital. 

In the earlier years it was the rival of Ionia, and bid fair to 
distance that place. But Ionia got the county-seat and the 
Laud Office; and Lyons was slow in developing the natural 
advantage she liad in lier water-power. Then the railroad 
came along, going tbrough Ionia, but leaving Lyons in the 
back-ground, and giving occasion for the starting of the A'il- 
lages of Muir and Pewamo. 

But we will not pity Lyons. Wlien that hig factory ^oes 
up, she will snap her fingers at Muir, that now is sapping her 
vitals. 

MUIK. 

Across the river from Lyons, whose location on the railroad 
gave it a chance to rise, and whose existence is so much taken 
from Lyons, is Muir. The following sketch, written by one 



76 MEMORIALS OF THE 

of lier prominent citizens — A. B^Ton Robinson, Esq. — will 
give its history and its status in 1868. Succeeding events liave 
not necessitated any addition. This is copied from a business 
directory of Muir, and has been approved as correct. 

The first settlers of the place were Dr. "NY. Z. Blanchard, and 
liis son John C. Blanchard, who improved a farm there. It 
was simply a farm until 1855. The village was incorporated 
in 1871. For the rest, let Bobinson speak of Muir: 

SKETCH OF MUIJJ, IONIA. COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 

"Muir is situated on the Detroit & Milwaukee railroad, 117 
miles west from Detroit, at the junction of the Maple and 
Grand Rivers, and is the great lumber market for the vast pine 
regions of Fish Creek, a tributary of Maple River. The vil- 
lage of Muir was fi.rst conceived, and some slight effort made 
to develop a town in the year 1854, by the firm of Soule, Rob- 
inson & Co., which then consisted of the late Ambrose L. 
Soule, A. Byron Robinson and the Rev. Isaac Errett, who at 
that time erected a large mill for the manufacture of pine 
lumber, now known as the Begole Mill. The town was not 
surveyed and platted until the summer of 1857, when the late 
Richard L. Robinson and Benjamin Soule came into the firm, 
and with renewed zeal and energy, the eifort was then made to 
establish and develop a town at this point. The village was 
accordingly surveyed and platted that spring, and at cmce be- 
gan to assume proportions and rank among the towns of Ionia 
county. 

The village for a number of years, however, labored under 
very great disadvantages. The original founder, Ambrose L. 
Soule, a man of very great sagacity, business energy and 
zeal, having been removed by death, in June, 1857, the whole 
enterprise seemed to have received a stroke that would prove 
fatal to the first conceived plan of operations, both in regard 
to the town and the manufacture of lumber. But the impor- 
tance of the interests of this point, and the general advantages 
of the location, soon began to be felt, and from that time up to 
the present, the place has had a steady, healthy growth, which 
now brings it in direct competition with its more pretentious 



GKAXD EIVEE TALLEl'. j t 

rivals. The villa^^e numbers about 1,000 inliabitaiits, nearly 
or quite one hundred buildings having been erected within tlie 
last year, with the prospects of a very large increase the coming 
year. The lumbering; interest is the absorbing: interest of the 
town, there being now four large inills for the manufacture of 
lumber, with a capacity of 20,000,000 feet per season, and a 
prospect of more mills, soon to be erected, as the result of the 
contemplated railroad from Marshall to Greenville, which has 
been surveyed through this place, with every prospect of its 
speedy construction, tlie route having been found very favor- 
able, and the citizens on the line having every assurance that 
by reasonable effort on their part, the whole road would at once 
be placed under contract. 

The village has four large dry goods stores, four grocery 
stores, two clothing, two crockery, one book, one hardware, 
two drug, and three shoe stores. Also, one large shingle 
manufactory, one large bakery, two livery stables, three black- 
smith shops, a large flouring mill with a capacity of one hun- 
dred barrels per day, an extensive wagon manufactory, with 
the full requisite number of eating saloons, restaurants, 
etc., etc. 

The town has not been deficient in point of religious cul- 
ture, their being a very large congregation of Disciples, with 
a splendid house for worship; also, a congregation of Presby- 
terians and Methodists. The Presbyterians are now erecting 
a very fine house for worship. The village is not incorpora- 
ted, but a very general feeling of harmony prevails, which, 
having been faithfully fostered and ^cared for, has given us 
many of the advantages of a corporation, without the extra, 
taxation. We have a very fine public fountain in the square; 
also a very comfortable system of sidewalks in our streets. 
Our educational interests are not what they might be, nor what 
we hope they soon may be, our facilities for accommodating 
the large increase of scholars, within the last six or eight 
months, being entirely inadequate. We have two buildings 
and have a fully and completely organized graded school; but 
our buildings are not what they should be for the large num- 
ber of students in attendance. We hope soon, however, to be 



78 MEMORIALS OF THE 

second to no point in this important enterprise — the abundant 
provision for the full and complete education of the youth of 
this place. 

Feeling that the importance of this point will compare favor- 
ably with any other of the many very desirable locations of 
Northern Michigan, those seeking new homes in the West, 
we feel confident cannot do better than make this a point for 
observation. A. Byron Robinsok." 

July 9, 1868. 

West of Muir, on the bluff near the railroad, are the ruins of 
an intrenchment, of which there is only a vague tradition. It 
is a ditch encircling the brow of the hill on three sides, and is 
nearly in the form of the letter 0, the open side facing the 
steep side of the hill, fronting the river. The length of the 
ditch is over 600 feet, and encircles the sides of the liill near 
the top. 

Old Cocoo-sh said there was a great battle between the resi- 
dent Indians and a tribe who came from the Ohio River; that 
the fight was on the plain, and that this intrenchment was for 
defense. The position was well chosen, and could be easily 
defend-ed from an assault, but could stand no besieging, as it 
bad no water. It is a piece of Indian military engineering, 
and is not bad — a kind of Bunker Hill affair. Give a man, 
who has not learned how to surrender, a lot of men, who have 
never been killed or whipped, and place them there, the 
present writer would humbl}- beg to be excused from being 
one of an attacking party, though perfectly willing, aided by 
Gen. Thirst, to aid in its besieging. 

This tradition is surely plausible. The ditch was never 
made for anything but defense from a temporary danger. It 
was probably a -place for the women and children while the 
braves were, day by day, fighting the thing through; and as a 
a place to retire to at night. 

The tradition is further, that the Southrons retired, having 
got a bigger whipping than they came after. 

PEWAMO. 

There is in the town of Lyons another village, incorporated 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 79 

in 1871, and called Pewamo; so named by John C. Blancliard 
from an Ottawa chief, for wlioni he entertained a great respect. 
The village was laid ortt by Blanchard (father and son), Hamp- 
ton Rich, Robert Higlian, and others, who pnrchased the 
property of Messrs. Mosher and limit. The platting of the 
village was coincident with the construction of the D. & M. 
railroad. It is not expected to be a city; cities are played 
out; but it is, and will be, a snng little village, a shipping 
point, and place for local business. The public buildings are 
three churches, three hotels ; and it has the nsnal complement of 
stores, machinic shops, etc.; it has a ilonring mill, and some 
other machinery. 

The first school in the township of Lyons was kept by Miss 
Susan Moore, in a small log shanty built by Lebhart. This 
was in 1834; she had five scholars. She, now the widow of 
Judge Boyer, in a green old age, is living at Grand Rapids, 
and her children and grandchildren bless her name. God 
l)less the "school-marm," anyway, even when blessings are 
scarce. One of them is worth a regiment of fashionable ladies, 
who live to be "supported;" mere butterflies of fashion; as 
girls, a curse to father, always wanting money; a dead weight 
on husband (poor man); and when dead, a nothing, but a name 
071 marhle. 

There's many a fine lady who Avill turn up her nose at plain 
Mrs. Boyer. But Mrs. B. has done good in the world; what 
have ^A (3?/ done? The "school-marm" lives in many loving 
hearts, and in time becomes idealized as a kind of divinity. 
Again we say, God bless the "school-marm!" 

At the time Lebhart came to Lj'ons, there was no settlement 
nearer than Jackson. True, the same year brought settlers to 
other points on the river. All was wild. The wild men of 
the forest had their principal rendezvous at Cocoosh. The 
Chiefs Cocoosh, Makatoket, Pewamo, Osaugee, Mukatebanee 
and Okemose, centered there. For six months these were the 
only associates of Lebhart and his wife. He lived to see 
things changed, and died respected and lamented, March, 1874. 
Lebhart's name is attached to a creek in the town where he 
put up the first mill. Let no sacrilegious innovator ever 
change the name. 



80 MEMORIALS OF THE 

PORTLAND. 

Portland is situated at the junction of the Grand and Look- 
ing Ghiss Rivers. It is one of the centers, fi'oni wliich civili- 
zation radiated in the Grand River Yalley; its occupation 
beine: aniono' the earliest. 

It needed hut simple common sense on the part of the early 
explorers, to determine the fact, that at the mouth of the 
Looking Glass River a town of more than common size would 
grow up. That common sense would show them that the 
whole force of both rivers was easily controllable; and that, in 
Michigan, where there is a great water-power, a town is inev- 
itable. Some towns locate themselves; others, like Ionia, are 
located by man. l^ature decided the fact that Portland viust 
be a place of importance; man only discovered what nature 
had decreed. 

Portland is not so much a thing of the present, as an idea; 
a reality of the future. Xeither a prophet, nor the son of a 
prophet, but the grandson of a deacon, the writer predicts that 
Portland will be the manufacturing town of the Grand River. 
There the whole force of the two rivers can be readily con- 
trolled, so as to use the waters of the Grand River three times, 
and of the Looking Glass, twice. Railroads have given the 
place communication ^\\t\\ the world, and the water is clamor- 
ing — " Put in the wheels." 

Michigan manufactures are now mostly in wood. Cotton and 
wool will, bye and bye, not all be worked up in the Eastern 
States. When the time comes that the noise of the spindle 
and loom shall enliven Michigan, Portland will be one of the 
manufacturing towns. 

But don't, when you read these prophetic utterances, get your 
ideas too high, and refuse to sell water-power unless for mil- 
lions, and don't imagine that each village lot is a mine of gold. 
There is land enough for a city as large as London, lying 
all sprawled about in the vicinity, and the " good time coming" 
is far in the future; your venerable head may lie low, and an 
epitaph be over it, before the vision shall be reality. There- 
fore, be content for a time to be a village, and to do a vil- 
lage business. Your children may walk the streets of the 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 81 

city of Portland, provided tliere is the spirit to encourage 
tiie starting of some great manufacturing enterprise. 

The same year that brought wliite settlers to other ]>arts of 
tlie Grand River Yallev, determined some to settle at Port- 
land, although none immediately settled there. Homes were 
selected, to he occupied at a future day. 

The first location of land was in 1833, by Elisha Newman 
—some two hundred acres — where the village of Portland now 
is. He did not come on to occupy until 1836. 

The iirst actual settler was an old man, Philo Bogue, who 
came with his family in 1834. The same year were added 
Joshua Boyer, John Milne (Mil'na), Abram Hunt, Thomas 
Shepard, Ezra Ferrin, and Chancelloi- Barringer. 

Bogue soon died — in 1836. Milne, an intelligent and re- 
spected farmer, also spent his life where he located. The rest 
of the lS31-men moved away; Boyer to Grand Rapids, Shep- 
ard to England, Ferrin to California. Barringer, after opera- 
ting at various places, disappears from the scene. 1835 added 
Josiah Young, Geo. Dutton, Wm. H. Arms, Thomas G. 
Barnum, Lambert B. Barnum, and Thomas White. 

1836 added John P. Miner, Wm. Dinsmore, David Brown, 
John Knox, Ashur Kil bourne, Willard Brooks, Charles 
P>rooks, Almercn, James and Elisha Xewman, and Samuel D. 
Smith. 

In 183T, came S. A. Miner, Charles Taylor, Wm. R. Chur- 
chill (the first merchant), John Probart, Patrick Lawless, Abi- 
jah R. Schoff and Wm. Dinsmore. 

1838, Alvah T. Way, Alfred D. Isham, Samuel Green and 
Geo. Marcy. 

1839, F. C. Kenny and David S. Soles. 

We cany the advent of settlers no furtiier. In what has 
been given, Portland has been considered a center, and no at- 
tempt has been made to set the individuals to their towns, as 
the towns now are. Some of these persons are in Orange, and 
some in Danby. 

ORGANIZATION. 

AVhat is now Portland, Danby, and the East half of Or- 
6 



82 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ange and Sebewa, was set oif from Maple, and constituted a 
town, in 183S. The first town meeting was at the house of 
Joshna Bojer, April 2d. Elected: 

Ira Webster, Supervisor; Almeron ISTewman, Clerk; Samuel 
Xortham, Almeron ITewman, Justices. 

The records further show the names of — 

Abijah F. Schoif, William D. Moore, Phineas Coe, Fosdik 
11. Kilbonrne, Chancellor Barringer, A. S. Wadsworth, Henrv 
Smith, Charles Gott, William E. Churchill, Samuel Sutlii'f. 
.Tames ISTewman, Samuel Freeman, John Milne, Robert Toan- 

Portland Village was incorporated in 1869. The first char- 
ter election was held at Schofield Hall, May 3d. Elected: 

Robert B. Smith, President; James M. Webster, Treasurer; 
George Hill, Assessor; William W. Bogue, Almeron IN^ewman, 
Henry Bartow, Lorenzo K. Showman, William Dinsmore, 
Milton Sawyer, Trustees. 

It is hardly necessary to say that, as Portland-was a pioneer 
settlement, they had the same privations, inconveniences and 
hardships, that were so deeply felt at the other places — Lyons, 
Ionia, Grand Rapids, Grand ville and Grand Haven. 

Provisions were scarce, and jjurchased at almost fabulous 
j^rices, and at times almost unattainable. In some instances 
there was absolute starvation. 

The first settlers were intelligent people, and they had the 
disposition to share each other's burdens. They were kindly 
aided by the Indians, whom they soon learned to look upon as 
friends. The fraternal feeling, that was the result of mutual 
dependence, continues still. JSTow, when the dark days are 
over, the old pioneers, when they get together, have many a 
kind word to speak of " days lang syne." Yet these were the 
'•dear old times." ISTot because of privation and trials; but 
from the fact, that then soul met soul, and hearts and hands 
were 0])en. What says Solomon about a dinner of herhs^ 
With him that was hearsay, and it seemed to him highly poetic. 
The pioneers in the wilderness realize the whole of that. Hal 
the old sinners feel it now in their very bones, when they meet 
one with whom they " roughed it " in the wilderness. 

The development of Portland, further than making clear- 



GKAND KIVEK VALLEY. 83 

ings in the woods, properly begun with the coming of the 
Newmans. The old gentleman brought the dimes; and the 
young men the enterprise to set those dimes to work. With 
some §6,000 capital at their command, they set to work build- 
ing a mill. They dammed the Looking Glass; dug a rac' 
some 60 rods long; erected a saw-mill — one of the old style 
of sash mills, capable of cutting o,000 feet in 24 hours; put 
in a run of stones; and fixed things by December, so that the 
settlers Avere not obliged to go to Pontiac to mill. What 
music to them was in the grating of those stones. Solomon's 
concert at the dedication of the temple was nothing in com- 
parison with it. Men, women and children danced with delight, 
when they assembled to see the first grist ground; an:l Big 
Injun said, '' Uh! " 

Soon after the Newmans, Abram S. Wadsworth commenced 
making improvements at Portland. In 1S38, he bought out 
Shepard, and divided his land into village lots, and began de- 
veloiting the water-power. lie built a dam across the Grand 
Iliver, dug a race and built a saw-mill. The dam went off 
with the ice the first spring. lie cobbled up his dam, and 
Imilt his mills, but never did anything with them. Wads- 
wortii was a man of enterprise, but lacked bnsiness sagacity. 
He never bi-ought his works to completion. He also did big 
things at Grand Rapids, Lyons and Grandville. But the re- 
sult was, lie spent a fortune of ^60,000 or more, and died a 
poor man. 

He, discouraged, dismantled his mills at Portland, and sold 
tlie running-gear to Newman. When Newman had set his 
cardino'-machine ao-oino^ Wadsworth looked on; and as he saw 
it making rolls, he said: " That is the first thing that succeeded 
in Portland." Newman was a clotliier, and his works were the 
first of tlie kind west of Pontiac. 

In 1837, Miss Jenny Berry opened the first school of 12 or 
15 scholars, in a shanty where James street now is. She is 
now -the wife of AVilliam F. Jennison, of Eagle, Clinton 
county. 

Miss Knox, now Mrs. Adam L. Poof, of Lyons, taught the 
first district school in a log school-house on the hill above the 
i-ailroad depot. 



84 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Tlie first reH2:ioiis ineetinjjs were conducted bv A. S. AVads- 
worth, in Episcopal style. 

The Methodists M^ere the first preachers. The first sermon 
was preached by Monette, a missionary from the Ohio Confer- 
ence, in 1834; the service held in a lof^ house on the west side 
of the river, within a few rods of where the depot now is. 

As Portland is one of the first places where Methodism got 
a foothold, and its influence somewhat central, we shall, in con- 
nection with the history of that church in this place, speak of 
it in its relation to other parts of the Grand River Valley. In 
doing this, we gladly avail ourselves of the well-done labors of 
W. IT. Stone, Esq., of Portland, a man whose interest in a 
cause which is dear tA him, has led him, as a labor of love, to 
trace the history of that church in the Portland vicinity. 

What follows is his, and mainl}' in his language; and to him 
Ave would thankfully express our obligations: 

At the time Monette came, there were but few families at 
or near Portland. The field of labor assigned him was from 
Shiawassee, on the east, to Grand Haven, inclusive. lie trav- 
ersed over this immense territory for a time on horseback. But 
the country was thinly settled, the people were ])ooi--, and it 
soon became evident that the expense of keeping a horse could 
liardly be met. Endowed v/ith the true missionary spirit, he 
adapted himself to circumstances, and, after disposing of his 
horse, commenced his long, weary marches on foot, enduring 
the privations incident to such a life. As if to try his other- 
wise overtaxed energies, he was looked upon by some with 
suspicion, and regarded as a worthless man, palming himself 
off upon the public as a preacher, for the sake of gaining a 
livelihood. His health failing, he was compelled to leave his 
work before the close of the first year. He was succeeded by 
Mr. Sebring. The less said about Sebring, the better. It is a 
tradition of Portland that, somehow or other, Sebring disgraced 
himself and the cause he represented; and some of the older 
people of Grand Papids have a faint recollection of riding a 
Methodist minister out of town on a skeleton of a horse, with 
a bundle of straw, dressed in woman's clothes, behind him. 
But no one remembers the name of the said minister. Thev 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 85 

only remember, in addition, that on leaving, he tlianlced tlieni 
for the lenient waj they dealt with him, for he expected, and 
knew he deserved, a coat of tar and feathers, and a rail instead 
of a horse to ride on. Mr. Stone is here responsible only for 
saying tliat Sebring brongl-.t disgrace; the rest is from other 
sources. 

In 1836, Michigan Conference was formed with three dis- 
tricts in Micliigan and four in Ohio. In 18-10, the Ohio dis- 
tricts were witlidrawn, and tlie bounds of Michigan Confer- 
ence restricted to the State. The new Conference of 1S3(! 
sent Elder Mitchall to this Held, which was known at that 
time as the Grand River Circuit. lie was a young man of 
promise, and was well received; but, like his predecessor, 
remained only a short time. He was succeeded in 1838 by 
two ministers — Larman Ciiatlield and • Blowers. By mu- 
tual am-eement the work was divided between tlie two men — 
Chatfield taking the northern part, and making his home at 
Lyons, and Blowers the southern, including Portland. Up 
to this time, preaching was had at very irregular intervals, 
and no class had ever been formed. During the year a class 
was formed by Elder Blowers, consisting of Herman Hull, his 
mother, Mary Hull; Mrs. Stanton, the mother of Robert But- 
ton; Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Sally Knox — the latter not a Metho- 
dist; four members in full standing, and one honorary — a 
Congregationalist. Mr. Hull was appointed class-leader. 

About this time a log school-house was built ou the west 
side of the Grand River. A school was opened, and the house 
used as a place of regular worship; services previously having 
been held at the house of Mr. Bo2:ue. 

This little beginning must have seemed to the settlers like 
the dawning of better days, shut in as they had been from the 
outer world, and depi'ived of the religious and educational 
privileges which contribute so largely to the sum and substance 
of earthl_y happiness. They endured many privations, of Avhich 
we doubtless have but a faint conception. The luxuries of life 
were not theirs to enjoy. To the few Christian souls, " beauti- 
ful were the feet of those who heralded the Gospel of peace." 

The}^ did not, like the poor sinner who pens these lines, 



86 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

criticise the elocution of the man who stood before them as 
God's messenger, but with thirsty souls they drank in the 
word, and thought of it, yea profited by it. (Stone is not re- 
sponsible for the last lines). 

In 1839, Grand River Circuit was changed to ''Lyons 
Mission," and here commences the first ofiicial record of Meth- 
odism in Portland; the previous history being almost purely 
traditional. The work was supplied by Elder Chatfield, and 
included De Witt, Lyons, Ionia, and Portland as principal 
points. They were visited in turn by their pastor, and con- 
tributed their mite towards his support. During the first 
year each of these places was favored with one quarterly 
meetino;; the first one in Portland beincr held the 2Sth and 
29th of March, 1810. These places were then in what was 
known as the "Grand River District," which embraced a large 
extent, including Flint, Saginaw, Lapeer, and all this section 
of the State westward to Grand Haven. The Presiding Elder, 
Elijah H. Pilcher, traveled over this immense field of labor on 
horseback, much of the way through dense forests, guided only 
by marked trees or Indian trails. lie was succeeded in 1843 
by Elder Chatfield, who traveled nearly the same territory for 
the four succeeding years. These men were often gone from 
their homes several weeks at a time, and must have sacrificed 
almost entirely the comforts of home life. 

In 1839, Chatfield was succeeded by Z. C. Brown and Levi 
Warner, and these in turn by Allen Staples and Samuel Lap- 
liam, in 1840. In the fixll of 1841 the work was supplied by 
A\^illiam E. Bigelow and L. Chatfield, who, the following sea- 
son organized two Sabbath schools, the first on the circuit. 

The following year, " Lyons Mission " was changed to " Ly- 
ons Circuit." The log school-house at Portland was burned, 
and a more pretentious building erected near the present site 
(tf the north building. This was used as a place of worship 
for many years, not only by the Methodists, but other denomi- 
nations. 

Thus, we have briefly sketched the fii*st of four decades, into 
which Methodism in Portland, and the region, may be divided. 
Struggling into existence under the most adverse circum- 



GKAND KIVER VALLEY. 8T 

stances, its rise and progress can hardly fail to elicit attention 
and interest the minds of all. We, in different times, can but 
feably appreciate the trials of these Gospel pioneers. 

Thus far we have pretty closely followed Mr. Stone, who has 
done a good work, and put the denomination under obligation. 
As Ids article has special reference to the church at Portland, 
and was written for their special benefit, we cannot more than 
condense what follows. But we do wish each church had as 
good a historian. 

Allowances made to ministers: 

Quarterage $200 00 

Table expenses 85 00 

1 louse rent 30 00 

Horse feed 20 00 

Traveling expenses 5 00 

Total $340 00 

Making in all $G80 for the support of two ministers and their 
families. 

In 1852 a parsonage was erected at Portland — the first prop- 
erty owned by the denomination there. 

In the fell of 1854, " Grand Piver District " was reorgan- 
ized under the name of "Grand Rapids District;" Eld. Pen- 
field, P. E. "Lyons Circuit" was changed to "Portland Cir- 
cuit." From the second decade, Methodism did not flourish; 
but the membership had decreased. In 1860, the Portland 
Society purchased an old school-house and fitted it up as a 
cliapel, which they used until 18G6, at which time, increased 
membership and increased means had enabled them to build 
and dedicate their present house of worship, which cost $7,- 
500. 

Present membership, 250. 

We have been more particular in speaking of the Metho- 
dist church than we can afford to be of the other churches, as 
one of their members had given the means of tracing the early 
histor}^ of the denomination in the region. Of this we availed 
ourselves, saying much that was not particulai'Iy pertinent to 
the individual church at Portland. 



8S MEMORIALS OF THE 

The Congregational Cliurch was organized by tlie Rev. 
L. M. S. Smitli, in 1842. In 1853, tliej built their church 
edifice. 

The Presbyterian Church dates from 1S67. The Rev. 
Augustus Marsh has been pastor since its organization. 

The Baptist Church was organized in 1840, with eleven 
members. The Rev. Moses Clark was the first pastor. Tlic 
membership has increased to 140. The Rev. A. Cornell is 
in charge of it. 

The Universalist Church was started in 1852, with ten 
members, under the j^astoral care of Rev. C. W. Knicker- 
bocker. The church was dedicated in 1855. 

October 24th, 1867, J. II. Wickwire started the Portland 
Advertise?', which in 1870, was enlai'ged under the name 
of Portland Obse/'vc/', Joseph Bailey, editor. 

The village of Portland has made a fair beginning. It-has 
already partiall}^ developed its fine water-power, and employed 
it in manufactures. Besides its saw and grist mills, it has a 
woolen factory, iron works, sash and blind factory, school fur- 
niture factory, stone works, etc. It is something of a trading 
center. Several lawyers there attend to people's social ailments, 
and several physicians to those of their physical frames. They 
cherish their graded school; and they, respecting their present 
condition, have faith in theii' future. And the meek historian 
must say, " So have I. '' 

BERLIN. 

Berlin was first organized as Cass, in 1838 — a temporary 
arrangement. For a particular statement of its limits, see 
"•Legislative History of the County." 

The first meeting for the organization of Cass was held at 
the house of Win. J>al)cock, April 2d, 1838. 

Orticers elected: Alonzo Sessions, Supervisor; John E. Mor- 
I'ison, Clerk; Philo Bates, John E. Morrison, AVm. B. Lincoln, 
Alonzo Sessions, Justices. 

The number of votes Avas 33. 

The town of Cass existed four years, when, reduced to its 
present dimensions, the name was changed to Berlin; and the 



GRAND RIVEE Y ALLEY. 89 

first election under tlie new arrangement was held at the liouse 
of Wm. Eddy, April 4th, 1842. The whole number of votes 
was 53. 

John E. Morrison, Supervisor; Geo. C. Overheiser, Clerk; 
Geo. Townsend, Herman Bahcock, Justices. 

In wliat follows we are mainly indebted to the Hon. Alonzo 
Sessions, both for material and lan2;uage. He furnished co- 
pious notes on the town, kindly giving the privilege of making 
such use of them as we chose. In general, his language is 
adopted. 

In October, 1833, Alonzo Sessions spent several days within 
the present limits of Berlin. Then the marks of the surveyor 
were the only indication it had ever been seen by civilized 
man. 

In Xovember of that year, John E. Morrison came from 
Oakland county, and erected his log cabin in the northeast 
corner of the town, opposite to, and within half a mile of the 
present limits of Ionia City. In his cabin he put his wife 
and child, and with his axe he went to work, and made him- 
self a good home. 

After the county was organized, lie was the first county 
treasurer. He was a practical surveyor; was the first clerk of 
Cass; was several times su})ervisor, clerk, justice of the peace, 
etc. Mr. M. is still living just across the line in Ionia. He 
has seen something of the world besides, having spent one 
winter in Texas, a year or more in California, taking the haz- 
ards of the overland route. Two years or more with his 
family in Tennessee, after the war was over, convinced him 
there is no place like home; and he returned to live and die 
near where his friends are, and where his valuable life-work 
has been done. 

In October, 1833, Alonzo and Job S. Sessions came from 
'New York to Detroit, then by way of Macomb, Oakland, Liv- 
in<rston, Shiawassee and Clinton, on foot to Ionia. West of 
the Huron River the country was an unbroken wilderness— 
the only road an Indian trail. Before leaving the border set- 
tlements, they procured a supply of raw pork and bread, upon 
which they subsisted, while they lodged upon the ground, with 
no shelter but the trees. 



90 MEMORIALS OF THE 

At that time there were tlii-ee log cabins in Ionia partially 
completed and inhabited. That farthest west was occupied by 
Judge Yeomans, with whom they got lodgings while pros- 
pecting for land. After deciding to locate in Berlin, they 
tloated down Grand Iliver in a batteau (which the judge had 
laboriously managed to get as far up as Ionia, loaded with 
provisions for the new settlers, and desired to have delivered 
to the owner at Grand Rapids), stopping over night with 
Ilix Robinson, at the trading post below the Thorna])ple, and 
reaching the Rapids in season for dinner the next day. The 
remainder of the distance to the Land Office at "White Pigeon 
was made on foot. The camp the first night was at Ball's 
Prairie, in Barry county. 

As without tools, teams, seed and provisions, they could do 
nothing towards developing the land they had secured, and as 
their money was gone fjr land and in expenses, they went to 
work to earn money with which to make a beginning, xilonzo 
went to Ohio and taught school, while Job remained in Michi- 
gan, working on a farm. As wages were low, neai-ly two years 
])assed by before they were in condition to return. It was in 
June, 1S35, that they commenced to make for themselves homes 
in Berlin. 

Alonzo Sessions left Dayton, Ohio, on the 25tli of May. 
There are some incidents connected with the journey, that may 
interest those only used to modern facilities for travel. He 
purcliased two horses, on one of which he packed his two 
trunks; on the other he rode; changing from the one to the 
other to equalize their labor. Traveling northward, along the 
Miami river, and frequently fording it, he soon entered a dense 
and nearly unbroken wilderness, where there was only here 
and there a settler. In places there were no roads, and scarcely 
a trail. It was raining daily, and every river, creek and bayou 
was full and overflowing. Many of the latter were more diffi- 
cult to cross than the rivers, being more swollen and muddy. 
In places, canoes were found at the crossings; but more fre- 
(piontly he crossed on the back of one horse while leading the 
other. In this way he made his way to Defiance, several times 
swimming the rivers. At Defiance his troubles and dangers 



GEAND KIVEK VALLEY. 91 

were not ended. The only way to get into Michigan then, was 
to go down the river Ironi Defiance by way of Perrysburg; 
and there were swollen creeks, without bridges, in abundance. 
From Perrysburg he rode to Ypsilanti, where he met his 
l)rother, left his trunks, and both started f(jr Berlin on ho]*se- 
back. At Marshall, they turned north, slept at Bellevue; and 
rode through a dense, unbroken forest, where there was neither 
road nor trail, yet swamps iu abundance. Their wearj"^ journey 
ended by arriving at Ionia on the 11th of June. 

They immediately went to work on their land; planted some, 
hired team and tools, put about ten acres of land in condition, 
and sowed wheat upon it early in September. 

In November, Alonzo Sassions bnilt the second log cabin in 
r>erlin, and in 1837 he built the first frame barn. He has been 
much in public life, for which, see the article that accompanies 
his portrait. 

Job Sessions came to Berlin with his brother in 1835. He 
brought no money with him, or other means, but he had 
industry, strength and courage. He cleared and improved two 
good farms, and after putting them in good condition to live 
on, sold out and went to Sirring Lake. He was several years 
treasurer of Berlin. He did his full share in opening and 
making roads and bridges; and in all the privations, labors, 
struggles, disappointments and progress of pioneer life man- 
fully performed his part, and bore his full share. 

Amasa Sessions came to Berlin in 1836, and made a begin- 
ning in the dense forest, on sections 3 and 4, about one mile 
south of the river. He had very little to begin with, except 
his hands and a stout heart, a strong will and unyielding pur- 
pose. He made one of the best farms in the county; put 
ev^nwthing in order, knew how to keep them so, and accumu- 
lated money. He was several times supervisor, justice, etc., 
discharging every duty honestly and faithfully; and has, as 
he deserves, the respect and confidence of every one that 
knows him. 

William Reed came in about the same time, and built a 
cabin on section 3. He had a small family, and but little else. 
He was a man of more than common force and energy. AVhat 



92 MEMORIALS OF THE 

lie undertook he accomplished. lie made two good farms in 
Berlin, with valuable buildings complete; and was still at 
work witli unabated energy and courage, when lie unfortu- 
nately met a sudden death by the hand of a temporary tenant 
on his farm. His oldest son, William, has made a good farm 
near his father's, and is one of the most valuable, thriving and 
wide-awake men in town. 

William Babcock came to Berlin in 1836, from Ontario 
county, ]^ew York. Being past middle age, he had accumu- 
lated property in New York. For particulars of Mr. B., see 
biographical notice accompanying his portrait. Mrs. Babcock 
was a model wife and mother, and she had only to live to make 
all dependent on her prosperous and happy. Too soon she 
went to her grave, and the Deacon never married again; he 
soon left his farm, became his own executor, and died in 1871 
at Ionia, aged 88. His three youngest sons are still living 
in Berlin — all men of more than ordinary intelligence, who 
have earned and secured the respect and confidence of all who 
know them. 

In the spring of 1836, Elisha Doty came to Berlin to live. 
He built a small frame house — the first in the town. About 
the same time his three sons — Charles, William and Allen — 
came in, William is the only one of the four now living. 

Eleazur Murray came about the same time, and is still resi- 
dent in the township. He brought very little with him except 
a young family, mostly girls. But he had industry', energy 
and courage. He has made a good home for himself and fam- 
ily, and has been one of the most useful citizens, 

George II, Coe came into Berlin in 1839, and built a cabin 
on Sec. 3, where he still resides. He came poor, but has made 
a good farm ; has children grown up as useful citizens. He 
has secured for himself the confidence and respect of all who 
know him, and still has the prospect of many useful years 
ahead. 

David Woodruff came at about the same time, and from the 
same place, as Mr. Coe. He was absent a few years, as a pio- 
neer in Montcalm county, but returned, and has been one of 
the most useful and valuable citizens. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 03 

A little later came Solomon Tanner, who was a natural pio- 
neer. Born in tlie woods, he had made his mark in New York 
and in Eastern Michi^^an hefore he came to Berlin. He knew 
liow to use an axe, a handspike, oxen, etc. ; and he has left a 
veiy plain mark in Berlin. He did too much logging alone; 
and just when he had got a good farm, good buildings, and 
everything comfortahle around him, he became sick, sent for 
a doctor, (of what school, Mr. S.?) and had to leave. He was 
a quiet, peaceable, unassuming, yet energetic, thorough man; 
attending to his own business faithfully, and performing every 
duty with fidelity and promptness. He had the confidence of 
all who knew him. 

]Sfelson Beckwith came in 1837, and settled on the north 
part of section 7. He was poor, and with his young wife went 
into his log-cabin before it was completed. He was handy 
with tools; had more than usual perseverance and industry, and 
made himself a good, comfortable home. He built a good house, 
and was in circumstances to enjoy what he had earned; with 
his children around him, and with good prospects for the future. 
But in the night, when all were in bed, his house took fire. 
In his eftbrts to save his children from the flames, he perished 
with the child that he gave his life to save. His widow and 
surviving children are still in Berlin. 

Robert F. Hall came about the same time, put up a frame 
shanty, and made some improvement on section 6. He liad 
no lamily, but lived alone and made what headway he could, 
until one fatal day, in an attempt to cross Grand Iliver — it is 
not known precisely how or when — -he was drowned. His 
body was found some time after, floating in the stream. Ho 
^vas put down deep in the soil, and all his hopes, plans and 
expectations were buried with him. 

Abraham Eddy came in 1837. He was a middle-aged man, 
poor, with a large lamily, some of them grown, and none very 
young. He commenced on 40 acres at the southwest corner 
of section 2, which he cleared, and to which he added more 
land, good buildings, and all needed improvements. He made 
money; settled his children around and near him; lived to see 
them prosperous, and died quicth', in March, 1875, at the age 
of 88. 



94: MEMOEIALS OF THE 

John W. Young settled on section 2 at about the same tune; 
made many imj^rovements, but was compelled by ill-health to 
give up farming. He now lives in Ionia. 

Lyman Simmons, at about the same time, settled on a lot of 
timbered land on section 11. Very few of our early settlers 
have had more to contend with, or more to discourage them 
than Mr. Simmons. But his industry, energy and couragt" 
have been equal to every emergency; and very few men in 
Michigan, or in any other new country, can show better re- 
sults for the time and labor expended, than he can. His farm, 
his buildings, liis orchai-ds, and finally, everything about him 
are models of comfort, neatness and thrift. 

One of the most enterprising and valuable of the early set- 
tlers of Berlin was Dr. William B. Lincoln. He came to 
Ionia (as noted elsewhere) in 1833 ; and peddled the first pills 
that did execution in the county. Not finding enough to do 
in Ionia, he bought a lot on Sec. 11, in Berlin. The Doctor 
was industrious, and handy wnth tools, a true Yankee 
in energy' and thrift; and in the intervals of time, when his 
professional services were not in demand, made and mended 
boots and shoes; made doors and sash, or did any useful work 
that came in his way; among other things, serving the public 
as Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace. Tlie Doctor got a 
good farm well under way, when his father came on from Yer- 
niont and took his place, he returning to Ionia. He was a 
good, kind, attentive and humane physician ; no obstacle could 
keep him from his duty to the sick, and hundreds are living 
to appreciate and testify to his kind care and devotion in tlieir 
time of sickness and danger. 

Some time about 1842, Joshua Clark and his son, Edward 
<). Clark, came to Berlin and made a home on Sec. 33. They 
i-ame from New York at a very early day, had previously 
lived some time in Marshall and Niles. Joshua was well 
along in years, but v/as a man of extraordinary industry and 
energy; had too much ambition for his strength; was a first- 
rate mechanic, understood his trade, and was too honest to 
slight his work. Though his constitution was weakened by 
sickness, and lie was seldom well, he accomplished wonders, 



GRAND EITER VALI.ET. 95 

and all that he did was done well. After clearing up a farm 
in Berlin, they went to Orange, made a good farm there, sold 
out and went to Saranac, where the old man died at tlie age of 
78. Edward O. lived mostly with his father, until his death, 
and is now in business in Ionia. He married Olivia, daughter 
of Deacon Babcock. Harriet, the second daughter, married 
.loseph M. Babcock, in Berlin. Mrs. CLark was a model 
woman, wife and mother. She died in Ionia in June, 1872. 
aged 79 years. 

I am ab(»ut to speak of two of the early settlers in Berlin 
that have displayed extraordinary energy and thrift under 
circumstances of discouragement. Joseph Howard, a poor 
Englishman, and much poorer cobbler, came in 1843, put up a 
poor log shanty on land not his own, by mistake; yet near his 
cabin he had the misfortune, as was thought, to own the poor- 
est 40 acres in towm. He had a wife, and family of small 
children, and notliing else. But she was a good woman and 
a help, and they took hold together. The children were made 
useful, and taught to do what they could. They worked hard, 
lived cheap, earned and saved until the poor 40 acres was made 
productive, 65 acres more added, and all brought into good 
condition; good buildings erected, money saved and loaned on 
interest. Joseph lost his good wife, retired from business, and 
his son William reigns in his stead, the worthy son of a wor- 
thy sire. 

The other was Henry P. Gates, who came from the Hoosier 
State in 1845, to escape the sickness which he and his family 
were subject to the whole time they were there. He had a 
wife and several small children, a pair of scallywag steers, and 
a miserable old wagon, and that was all. He traded all, ex- 
cept his wife and children, for a fraction of a little over 50 
acres on section 5, being part swamp, and the balance side-hill, 
balancing the account with his note. He had Yankee blood 
in him, and knew how to work fast and well. He was bv 
nature industrious, faithful and honest; and with health came 
energy and effort, and finally success. He has purchased SO 
acres more land; has made a good firm with good buildings, 
and is living with his family in comfort and peace; and may 
long live to enjoy the fruits of an active and useful life. 



96 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Thus far we have closely followed Mr. Sessions. With liim 
the work was done con amove. The author is feelingly aware 
that his work would be more valuable if every town had its 
man, who could so appreciatingly " tell what he knew." 

ADDITIONAL. 

Among the earliest settlers in the town may be placed, Philo 
Bates ( just over the line, in Ionia), Benjamin D. Brand, Wm. 
Eeed, Xathan and William Pierce (1837), iVTelson Beckwith 
and Wm. Elvert. In the spring of 1838, Reuben AY. Stevens 
and Luke Howard. Mrs. Taylor (over the line, in Ionia) states 
that they came from AVashtenaw county, in the winter of 
'37-8. They came in the winter because then they could cross 
tlie streams on the ice. They brought a family of six children. 
Their journey lasted six weeks; and they thought they had a 
good time. Their goods were brought through by ox teams. 
It took about all they had to get through. They were soon 
very happy in a log cabin; managed to get something to eat. 
Mr. Taylor died in Feb. 1871, aged 79 years. 

Let us listen to the yarn of that son of Erin in South Ber- 
lin, whose line farm and good house, show the result of his 
enterprise; and whose frank cordiality invites confidence and 
respect — Francis IIu mphreys. 

He came to Berlin from Boston, Mass., in the spring of 1839; 
having left Ireland fourteen years before. He came to Bellevue ; 
and then the problem was how to get on to Berlin. There 
was no road or track; the woods were dense, and no one there 
would attempt the job of forwarding them. But he was en- 
couraged by being told that there was a man several miles 
north of Vermontville, who might possibly be secured — Mr, 
Peter Kinny. Humphreys left his wife, and went to seek 
Ivinny. On the way, at night, he was treed by wolves, who 
tried to get at him. He fired at them with his pistols, and had 
the satisfaction of hurting some of them. Early in the morn- 
ing, benumbed with cold, and liungry, he got down from his 
perch, where he had passed a sleepless night; came on, and 
found his man. Kinny was in bed, but got up, received him 
kindly, and seeing that lie was famished ^\•ith cold and hunger, 
told him to lie down on the bed and get a little sleep if possi- 



GEAND KIVER VALLEY. 97 

ble, wliile lie got him some breakfast. An arrangement was 
made with Kiuny, whom he soon took a liking to, to go back 
to Bellevue, get his family and goods (abont 16 cwt.), and go 
through to Berlin for $40. Kinnv, with two yoke of oxen, 
went back for the load; and got to Vermontville in five days. 
ZSTothing serious occurred so fjir; but here commenced the tug 
of war. The hardships of that journey were almost incredible; 
lugging through sv\-amps, cutting out trees, getting across 
streams; in some instances being obliged to take the wagon 
apart, and carry that and the load piece-meal across a swamp, 
often not making half a mile in a day. Snow fell during the 
time and the cold sleety storms caused suffering in addition to 
their exhausting labor. Serenaded at night by wolves, tired, 
cold and wet, for live weeks they struggled on — and got 
through. It cost Kinny his life; he was so used up he never 
recovered. This is pioneeruig. 

To farther show how people lived and fared, take the case 
of Zopher Alderman and his family; and it may be observed 
there is nothing unique in it. There is a sameness in old set- 
tlers' stories. What is said of a settler in one town, may be 
safely predicated as having been the experience of those in 
others. We have thrown in a characteristic trial or adventure 
• — some here and some there. Combine them, and suppose 
they all occurred in one town, and the picture would be true — 
a picture of pioneer life. 

But to Mr Alderman. He came with his family from De- 
troit to Ionia. He Avas fifty-iive years old ; had a wife and 
eight children — from twenty-four years down. He had pre- 
viously bought eighty acres of land. A yoke of oxen and two 
cows were about all the property he had. Still vigorous, and 
aide to endure the hardest labor, he and his boys "pitched 
in; "cut and cleared twelve acres; chopped six more; work- 
ing for others for something to eat. They soon had food of 
their own raising; but clothes and a little money for taxes 
came hard, to say the least. A son of Mr. Alderman, now re- 
siding in South Berlin, says, that one pair of linen shirts lasted 
him two years; mended and re-mended by every available kind 
of cloth, they did service until, patcli upon patch, they were 

7 



98 MEMOIIIALS Of THE 

curiosities. Taxes wei-e a IVight, for tliej must be mone'j. 
Labor woiild eoinmf»nd food, but not money; and the moncy 
nnist be srot, cost what it would. Jobs were let l)v the towiis 
to make roads across the swamps. The roads were of two 
kinds, the " rail-road " and the " log-road." The rail-road 
was made by grubbing out a track, covering it with split rails, 
and putting on the rails eight inches of dirt; the log-roads, by 
laviufj- down logs as stringers, and covering the track with 
logs, putting on the same amount of earth. There would be 
fierce competition for these jobs, which wei-e cash. Mr. A. 
states that he and others have taken these jobs — rail-road at 
ten cents, and log-road at twenty -five cents a rod; where, by 
the hardest labor, working early and late, a man with a yoke 
of oxen could earn twenty-five cents a day. That seems up- 
liill business, but such things are not the hardest a pioneer has 
to submit to. Tliink of a man taking a bag of wheat on his 
slioulder, and going forty mJles to mill; returning, wading in 
the snow — a four days' trip — which was done in Ionia county. 
That "your humble speaker"' would not have done. He 
would have done as Mr. Alderman did — make a big mortar, 
and bruise the grain, content to eat for life; and not be so 
particular to have flour l)iscuit, imrchnsed at so dear a rate. 

AVilliam Babcock, when he came on, was G2 years old. He 
brought his wife and eight children, and took up " land enough 
to give each of them a farm." His five boys and three girls 
were, Julius, Iliram, Joseph, Henry, Marcus, Dolly, Lucy and 
Elizabeth. There was another son, but he never lived much 
in Ionia county, so he is not counted. He would, if counted. 
make nine. Julius died at Lowell, a farmer, in 1858. Hiram. 
Joseph and Marcus are in Berlin, and Henry in Ionia. They 
are all too young to have half done their life-work. Dolly, 
when she came on, was the third wife of Philo Bates. Slie is 
now the wife of the Bev. George C. Overheiser, of Ionia. 
Lucy now lives, the wife of Ed. O. Clark, of Ionia. Elizabeth 
is also in Ionia, theM'ifeof Ilarvev Ilarter; all still livinjj, after 
forty years, and all in one vicinity. Had they been Yankees, 
one would have been in Texas, another in Oregon, a third in 
Kansas; but here they all kecji together, and it is to be ho]>ed 
that thev do it from '"natural atHnitv." 



GEA^T) ElVEK VALLEY. 90 

Pliilo Bates (over the line, in Ionia\ having been much mar- 
ried, brought on considerable of a tamily. His daughter Har- 
j-iet married Dr. Gorham and H. H. Smith (^not both at once i. 
and resides in Jackson. 

Orplia died in Jackson, the wife of H. Lathrop. Susan is 
in Jackson, the wife of C. Knickerbocker. "William P. and 
Philo live in Ionia. 

Pliilo Bates. Sr., died in ISoS. 

Benjamin Brand, wlio is mentioned as a pioneer, soon re- 
moved to Orange, where he lived a substantial farmer, lie 
died in ISTI. 

"William Elvert is still resident in Berlin. 

Edward Butler was killed by a fall from a wagon in 1873. 
He was an early settler — a very worthy man. 

On the farm of Alonzo Sessions is a '• congeries " of minei-al 
springs, one of them chalybeate, and another •• white sulphur." 
If the •• mineral spring"" business had not been so fully plave<l. 
there are no places better fitted to start the excitement than 
Danby and Berlin. Danby with her chalybeate, and Berlin 
with her '• white sulphur "' waters. The spring on Mr. Ses- 
sions' land may be taken as the sure indication that gypsum 
underlies that region ; whether available or not, only explora- 
tion can tell. 

BOSTON . 

The settlement of Boston dates from lSo7, when "Worcester 
English, Timothy "White, Jesse Williams, Cyprian S. Hooker. 
James Hoag, Moses M. Gould, Jeremiah Stannard, Ormau 
Hunt, David "SVhitney, Becket Chapman. James M. Talent, 
and Albert Clement, located themselves in the part of the town 
of Cass which is now Boston. 

They were followed, in 1S3S, by Piley and Diocletian Hess, 
and Jared Stocking. 

In l^oO was added, as far as can be ascertained, Marvil 
Church. 

ISiO brought in Eichard Tosper. Edson English, Sylvester 
Train, Stephen Xute and Edward Carveth. 

For some vears but few settlers came in. About ISIO. the 



100 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

town began to fill up, and was then rapidly settled. Retin*n- 
ing, we will individually trace these pioneers. 

Some of them, in green old age, are still where they hewed, 
out for themselves a home in the woods; but not now " wid 
axe on the shoulder away to the woods." l^o, no; they are 
(juietly smoking their meerschaums in the doors of their 
painted houses, looking over their broad acres, where " lowing 
herds " and "waving grain " give promise of beef, bread, and 
a piano. Yes, fat, hale and jolly, these old fellows and their 
" vrouws" are enjoying their homes; cracking their jokes 
with their grand-children; telling them bear and wolf stories* 
spinning yarns about Indians; talking over "old times" with 
each other, and must it be said —sighing for the " good old 
days," when a log house was their palace; a wood-chuck their 
dinner; a shingle-bolt their chair, and when they went up a 
ladder to their rest under the roof, to sleep, serenaded by 
wolves, owls and katydids. But such is " poor human nature." 
The nigher to savage we are, the happier; the less thought, the 
more feeling; and the more feeling the more enjoyment. We 
heap up wealth, build and adorn sumptuous houses, with car- 
peted floors; have our sofas, our mirrors and chandeliers there; 
store our minds with the lore of ages, and find after all, that 
M^ealth and wisdom are not happiness. But, was there ever a 
more foolish sentiment uttered than, 

" Where ignorance is bliss 
'Tis folly to be wise." 

Just as though men lived to be happy. Let those be " happy" 
who have no higher aim. Let them, if they please, pant for 
a /ieave?i v^here they shall spend an eternity in ecstatic delight, 
singing one eternal hallelujah ; or let them, while here, be for- 
ever contriving how they maybe "happy as a fool." Bah! 
I am not, old gentlemen, sneering at you because you are 
happy in the enjoyment of well-earned wealth and peaceful 
lionrs, or that you look back on the happy days long past. 
Then you were hai3j)y l^ecause you were doing something, and 
yon are now happy because you liavs done something. And 
if you ever walk the streets of the New Jerusalem, you will 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 101 

not find it a place where "eternal delights " are ^^wi'chased bv 
a short life of spirtual longin^^ here, as we purchase a big laugh 
at a circus for fifty cents. 'Happiness may come in the train ; 
but the soul that is worth saving, delights in heing, in action, 
in beneficence; and looks forward in eternity to being one with 
the Eternal in beneficence and love. The fool is happy, be- 
cause he is an animal. And, kind reader, I hope you may at 
times be happy, as a relaxation from tliat thought and labor 
that prove you a man. But let me tell you, you poor, selfisli 
spiritual animal, if your " humble speaker " should ever be 
commissioned door-keeper, where Peter now stands, and yon 
come sneaking to the door to get in, because you want to bo 
happy, the door will not'' ope))', but tliere will be some hinting 
that you have mistaken the place. 

" Life is real; life is earnest; 
Happiness is not its aim." 

Away off again! Excuse me, denizens of Boston. It was 
well meant, and there is Avisdom in it. 

Worcester English, the pioneer, died April 18th, 1851. He 
was a jovial, kind-hearted man; the life of the social circle; a 
good neighbor, and worthy citizen. His son, Edson English, a 
man respected by all, died at Grand Bapids. Another son, 
Harvey, died four days after his father. His onl}^ surviving 
daughter is Mrs. Horace Bobinson. 

.Timothy White came Marcli, 1S37, and still lives on his old 
place. Mr. White, if you were only dead, we would talk about 
you; but disliking flattery, and meaning to speak evil of no 
one, we respecfully lift our beaver — no, straw hat — and wish- 
ing your shadow may never be less, pass on. But, en jMssant, 
will say that Mr. White engineered a road through the swamps 
in Campbell, and secured a mail by that route; helped cut a road 
to Ada and Cascade; was first postmaster, in 1839. He and 
the rest of the company that came with him, liad to cut their 
road from Yankee Springs. AYinter, as it was, they had to 
wade the Thornapple and Coldwater, wading breast deep in 
water full of anchor ice; camping in the woods with their ox 
teams. One time, in '"the days of happiness," he went to 



102 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

Grand Rapids for provisions, took one liundred pounds on his 
slionlders, and came lionie in a day. He was one of the com- 
missioners to re-snrvej the old Clinton road from Jackson to 
Grand Rapids; also to lay a State road from Lyons to Ada. 
So, Mr. White, as you liave done something; it is to be hoped 
jis long as you live you may smoke your pipe in happiness, and 
that when the old " mortal coil is shuffled off'," it may repose 
under a good epitaph. "So mote it be; Amen." 

Jesse "Williams did not long survive his coming; dying Aug. 
5th, 1838; leaving one son, Elbridge G., and a daughter, Mrs. 
Yv^m. Hatch, of Lowell. As he had no time to show himself, 
his lii story is i^ersonal. 

Cyprian S. Hooker, in a good old age, is living at LoM'ell, 
where hats are reverently doffed to him, and where his many 
friends lately buried him in rich gifts at his golden wedding. 
He has long been a public man, and a sketch of, his life is 
found elsewhere. In 1S41-2 he bnilt a saw-mill at Saranac, 
vrhere the "Red Flouring-mill" now stands. 

Jared Stocking was the first cabinet-maker. He moved 
away, and is dead. 

James Lloag was killed in the spring of 1851, by the fall of 
a limb from a tree. He left no family but a wife. His loss was- 
deeply felt. He Nvas an energetic, persevering man, fitted to 
achieve success; and was a leading, influential person. 

Moses M. Gould still resides on his old farm; quiet, snug 
and happy. His wife, to whose tenacious memory we are in- 
debted for most of the dates here given, can tell you more facts 
than any other person; and is never rtiistal'cii. If such a 
]nemory was in every town, the historian's work would be easy. 
She will give you the year, the month, the day and the hour 
tliat any event occurred, and there is no use in disputing. The 
copious notes, dictated by her, were shown to otlier old set- 
tlers, and by them confirmed in every particular, and gen- 
erally with the remark, " There is no use disputing Mrs. Gould 
on dates." 

Jeremiah Stannard still lives in the southwest part of the 
town; has won a good name and independence. 

Ormand Hunt came from A^ermont. He died in lSGl,a£:ed 



GEAXD PaVEE VALLEY. 103 

i'>7. He left two sons and one daugliter. The youngest son, 
Herman, died a soldier; the other, Simeon, is county register. 
The daughter is Mrs. James English. 

Becket C5hapman, the iirst shoemaker, still dignifies Boston 
Avith his presence. 

Biley J. IIcss and his brother, Diocletian, came from Steu- 
hen county, X. Y. Iviley was a Free-Will Baptist preacher, 
the llrst person who ever conducted religious meetings in 
Boston. They were held at the liouse of Worcester Englisli; 
afterwards in the school house. He died at Grand Ilapids in 
ISTo. Diocletian Hess died in 1851, aged 41. An interesting- 
event of the early times occurred in his family. His wife car- 
ried the dinner to the men„ who were at work in the woods. 
Beturning, she got lost, and, bewildered, wandered until near 
perishing. She was found by' the neighbors, who had rallied 
for the search. 

Marvil Church died in 1S63, at the age of GS. One son, 
Harvey, still lives in town; another, Robert, is in Campbell. 

Stephen Nute was a farmer; stood among the more prom- 
inent men of the town. He was from Tunbridge, Yt. He 
died in 1802, aged 57. His widow and son still occupy tiie 
farm. 

Sylvester Train came from Tiinbridge, Yt. He was an 
energetic, stirring man, with a good many peculiarities; a 
i>-enius of his own sort; one of the most tliriftv larmers. He 
died in 1865, at the ripe age of T2, leaving a large family tliat 
he had trained for high respectability. 

Albert Clement was also from Trunbridge; was a surveyor; 
a prominent man in the town. At the age of 50, lie died in 
18f)2. His wndow is in Saranac. 

Bichard Yosper is now, in vigorous manhood, dispensing- 
justice at Saranac; a terror to sinners, and to those who have 
rights, a fountain of hope. Long may he wave! and long niay 
liis cheerful visage be one of tlie cheering sights in the town 
where he has grown up, until he is of it the chief magistrate. 

Mr. James M. Talent; we have reserved him for the last, 
chat we nu\y indulge our propensity to talk, and he furnishes 
the material for pointing a nio-ral or gracing an idea. He 



>C 



104: MEMORIALS OF THE 

still resides in. his old log house. The rest of his compeers 
liave discarded logs, and erected tlieir second houses, but ho 
is true to his first love. He helped build the first log house; 
has always lived in a log house, and has reverently made up 
his mind to die in his log house. There, on his fine farm, he 
welcomes his friends with simple kind-lieartedness, and, on 
tlie down-hill side of life, with the wife of his youth, is enjoy- 
ing the rustic simplicity that, onco a necessity, has become 
the choice of their lives. Mr. Talent, let that old house be; 
leave it as a landmark; something to remind posterity of the 
simple life of the pioneers. You will never find another 
house a home; you are too old to learn to put on airs, and to 
begin life in a new house. Every Jog ha.3 its hallowed associ- 
ation. That old fireplace is sacred, for many a pleasant hour 
has been passed before it. How would you feel in a painted 
house, with a carpet on the floor, and obliged to use a spit- 
box? It is thickly enshrined with moss- -let it be;' leave it to 
those who have no associations, to desecrate the old liouse. 

But, would you have thought it? Since writing the above 
we have visited Boston. As, with soul filled with sweet sen- 
timentality, we came in sight of the rose-embowered cottage, 
our disgust was ineft'able at seeing a new, painted house in 
close proximity. Our indignation vented itself in unspoken 
wickedness, when we thought of so much line writing and sen- 
timent spoiled — rendered utterly inappropi-iate and useless. 

AVell, he never will enjoy himself in the liev,' concern; and 
what was written in full belief in his bucolic simplicity, shall 
stand as written, to remind him of what lie should have done. 

Bat Mr. Talent is not the only one who has disappointed 
fond hopes and expectations. The writer, himself, must plead 
guilty. A fond mother built a castle in the air. She looked 
forward to the time when he son should grac3 a pul23it; but 
the graceless youth was too intensely human to be a divine. 
" Sic trans/'t,^^ et cetera. 

The pioneer school in Boston was kejit by Miss Susan A. 
Church, in a log SL'liool-house on tlic farm of Edson Englisli. 
She is now Mrs. Elbridge Williams, of Boston. 

The first birth in the tt)wn was that of Betsy Ann Gould, 



GEAND EIVEK A"- ALLEY. 105 

Oct. 29tli, 1S37. Mi'o. Gould is sure slie is not inistaken in 
the date, as she vjas there herse>f. Betsy Ann is now Mrs. 
Albert Aldricli, of Boston. 

Tlie first boj who honored Boston by choosing it as his 
birtli-plaee, was Ileury Hess, son of Diocletian and Lydia 
Hess. September, 1838, was the time. His birth-place was 
a tent made of quilts. 

We might tell of an erabrj^o city, laid out by Robert Hilton 
and James Hoag, on the clear stream that empties at Saranac. 
A saw-mill was there built by Hoag; and jirophetic vision 
pictured a thriving village, with that as a center. They felt 
that if no village was there, there was a fine place to put one. 
They platted and mapped it, and called it " Waterville.'' 
Alas, fur hopes! Waterville only existed as a map and a saw- 
mill; and Saranac, at the inouth of the stream, sprang up be- 
cause it conld not help it. Another proof that not men, but 
circumstances, change the sites of towns and villages. 

The township was organized April, 1838. First meeting at 
the house of Worcester English. 

C. S. Hooker, Supervisor; Jesse Williams, Clerk; C. S. 
Hooker, Worcester English, Moses M. Gould, Timothy White, 
Justices. 

In 18-19, the part of Keene south of the river, was added to 
Boston. 

In 1869, Saranac was chartered as a village, and Wm. Mer- 
cer elected President. 

The village contains about 800 people, has a superabundance 
of churches — no less than eight. Its pride are its school house — 
which cost $13,000, and is an honor to the brains of the peo- 
ple — and their fine iron bridge across the Grand Biver. They 
have a tine, but not large water-power, which runs two saw 
mills and a flouring mill. A stave factory was put up in ^%^. 
There are also an oar factoiy, and other "Ininor concerns. Seven 
doctors there attend to the ills of the body, and four lawyers 
to the mental and pecuniary evils of the region round about; 
wdiile the v^'orsliipers of all kinds and names, in the towns 
around, have here their spiritual center. 
. In the cemetery is a monument showing how fearfully the 



100 MEMORIALS OF THE 

late war visited one family — the family of Lewis. Three 
brothers — lioyal P., Daniel L., and George S. Lewis — all died in 
the war. 

Another monument records the tragic death of Nelson Bech- 
with, who ])erished in the flames of his burning liouse, in the 
vain attempt to rescue his little son, Dec. 2Sth, 1802. 

The churches are: Baptist, brick church, 18T0; Episcopal 
Methodist, wood; Episcopal, wood, 1859; Free Methodist, no 
edifice; Wesleyan Methodist, wood, 1874; Congregational, 
wood, 1873; Seventh Day Advents, iio building; Evangelists, no 
building; Spiritualists no building — all in the little village 
of Saranac. 

At this place we will speak of Wesleyan Methodism, and 
shall do it in the language of Elder D. A. Richards, of Saranac: 

" In accordance with your request, I cheerfully undertake 
to give you such item-s of interest, relating to Wesleyan Meth- 
odism in Ionia county, as are at my command. 

" AVesleyan Methodism was introduced into Ionia county 
about 1845. Among the first preachers who visited this 
county were Ke\\ B. D. Howe, of Orleans, recently deceased, 
and A. W. Curtis, who yet lives — a venerated father in Israel. 
There are organizations at present in Berlin, Easton, Sal)ewa. 
Campbell and Sai'anac, numbering some one hundred and fifty 
members. They have a church edifies in Berlin, and another 
in process of erection at Saranac. There are at present two 
ministers residing in the county — Rev. B. W. Backus, of 
Berlin, and myself." 

EASTON. 

In treating of the early times at Ionia, that place was con- 
sidered as a center of settlement. It was considerable time 
before the present towfi lines were established. When they 
were established, the territory covered by the Ionia settle- 
ment, formed itself in the three towns — lojiia, Easlon and Ber- 
lin. The city of Ionia is close upon the borders of the town- 
ship. A considerable proportion of what is written of tlie 
Ionia settlement belongs to Easton, Hence, in giving to each 



GKAND KIVER VALLEY. 107 

town its dues, there is necessarily some repetition. Easton 
Avas identified witli Ionia nntil 1843, when it hecame an inde- 
pendent town. Its first township meeting was held at the 
tavern of Simon Welch, April 3d; at which time and place it 
was organized, with the following officers: Snj^ervisor, Thomas 
Cornell; Clerk, Sanford Yeomans; Treasui-er, Erastiis Yeo- 
raans; Justices, Maleom McLaughlin, Thomas Cornell, Daniel 
S. Brownell, "William Fleming. 

The settlement of the town commenced in the spring of 1833, 
hvErastus Yeomans, spoken of in connection Avith the Dexter 
colony. He located in that part of Ionia which is now Easton, 
and where he now (1875), in venerable old age, is still resident. 

His family consisted of himself, wife, and seven children — 
three sons and four daughters. Judge Yeomans was appointed 
postmaster of Ionia in ISo-I, and held that office until 1840. 
He was subsequently one of the county judges for several 
years; always a leading man, highly respected for his intel- 
lectual and moral worth. Two of liis sons died young; the 
other, Sandford A., has long been one of the most enterprising 
and successful business men, a public man, holding various 
offices in the town and county. He was a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention in 1867. 

The Cornell family, spoken of in connection with Ionia, be- 
longed to Easton. There were three sons, Daniel, Thomas and 
Alfred, all still living. Daniel has never had a familv. 
Thomas is on the original homestead; has long been a public 
man; was first Clerk of the town. County Treasurer, Countv 
Surveyor, etc.; one of the men the people delight to honor. 
Alfred is known as a Baptist clei'gyman; at present pastor of 
the church in Portland. Still he is in his Master's service, with 
good years of work, as we ho})e, remaining before him, and 
enjoying in an eminent degree, the good will and respect of 
the community where he long has been an effi.cient laborer. 
For nineteen years he was pastor of the Baptist Church, in 
Ionia. 

Dexter Arnold and family located on Sec. 13, in 1835. He 
had four sons — Aaron, Walter D., Wm. D., and Irving. Wal- 
ter D. has for many years been a member of the firm of liicli 



108 MEMORIALS OF THE 

& Co.; a thorough business man; and enjoys that reputation 
which is won by sterling integrity. William D. is a farmer; 
has several times been suj)ervisor. The other sons did not 
remain as permanent settlers. 

"Without attempting to particularize the years, the following 
may be given as the earlier settlers of Easton: 

George Case, B. G. Barber, Jared and Thomas H. Conner, 
Ezra AVinslow, Elisha Doty, John Korth, Calvin M. Rice, 
Chauncey Stebbins, and their ftmiilies; James Crawford (mi- 
married); Simeon "Welch came in 1835, and located on Sec. 
19; Eichard M. Bishop, in 183G, on Sec. 8. In 1857, Mr. 
Bishop was accidentally sliot while eating his dinner on a log- 
in the woods, where he was chopping; the hunter who shot 
him supposing him to be a deer. Joseph Barker located on. 
Sec. 17, in the spring of 1837. George "W. Dexter, with a 
family of eight children, in 1838, located on See. 20. He 
died in 1848, and six of his children died in the short space 
of three years — two of them drowned at one time. One of 
his sons is still a resident. "Wm. Muselman came in 1837, 
and located on Sec. 7, and Wm. Fleming in the fall of 183S. 
Stej)hen Dexter and family— wife and three children — came 
from Washtenaw county with his brother, Geo. W. Dexter, 
and settled on Sec. 20, in 1838. But two of this family are 
now living — a son and daughter. 

William Winslow came to Ionia in 1835, and soon be- 
came a resident of Easton, locating on Sec. 14, where he still 
resides. His father, Ezra Winslow, came soon after, and died 
in 1842. William Dildine and Charles came into the town in 
1843, and located on Sec. 10. Isaac Finch settled on Sec. 28, 
in the fall of 1839. Mr. Finch died in 1874. 

Mr. George Case, who was spoken of as one of the early 
settlers, was drowned in 1836, in Grand Eiver, just below the 
mouth of the Thornaj^ple, while attempting to swim his horse 
through the stream. He, and Thomas Cornell, Esq., M-ere on 
their way to Grand Rapids. He lost his life througli not 
knowino- the fiict that a horse in swimming, sliould not be 
strongly reined against the current, but should be mainly left 
to himself Reinino; asjainst the stream is liable to turn the 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 109 

liorss upon his back, submerging the rider. TJie same horse 
had been safely ridden througli the same place by Dr. Lin- 
cohi, its owner. 

Easton is essentially an agricultural town, with an undu- 
lating surface. Originally a part of it was timbered land, 
and a part of it openings. As an agricultural town, it will 
compare favorably with any in the county. 

The saw mill, built by Dexter in 1833, was in Easton. 
Most of the brick nsed at and near Ionia are made in this 
town. The Interinediate State Prison, nominally located at 
Ionia, is over the line in Easton. 

The history of Easton is so interwoven with that of the 
Ionia settlement that there is no separating them. So far as 
a rural town depends on a city, Easton is as much a depend- 
ency as the township of Ionia. For a series of years they 
v/ere one in organization and in sympathy. AYith diti'erent 
civil relations, they still are one. 

Clustering around the little village of Ionia, the first settle- 
]nent was in three towns, as they are now; those who took 
up land being as much in one as the other. 

For the facts embodied in this article the author is wholly 
indebted to Dr. Lincoln, of Ionia, who has otherwise laid hini 
under obligations, by tlie aid and kindly interest he has shown 
in this work In Oriental language, " ^lay his shadow never 
be less," and may the pioneer doctor and teacher in his de- 
clining years enjoy the full respect due to kindliness and 
worth. 

NOETH PLAINS. 

Xorth Plains was an outlying portion of Lyons, and its early 
history is blended with the history of that town. 

April 1st, 1814, it was organized as a town, having nnder its 
protection the two towns immediately north. That part of 
the township which lies south of the Maple Kiver was left as 
a part of Lyons. 

The first town meeting, as appears from the town book, was 
held at the house of Bartley Dunn. The first town ofiicers 
were: 



110 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Xatlianiel Sessions, Supervisor; George Germain, Clerk; 
Silas Crippen, Treasurer; Hector Hays, Chauncey Conkey, H. 
V. Lebliart, Nathaniel Sessions, Justices. 

In realit}', Wm. Sessions M'as supervisor the first year, as 
his father, IT. Sessions, resigned on account of ill health; and 
William was appointed. This does not appear on the record, 
one leaf of which is missing. The name of Wm. Sessions 
appears as supervisor, with no record of the change. 

The number of votes was thirty-six. 

Voted that the town officers have six shillings a day for ser- 
vices; $90 were raised for town expenses, and $10 for the 
poor. 

On the records of the year are found the names of Bartly 
Dunn, a blacksmith, died 1850, aged 56; Nathaniel Sessions 
• — in a good old age, still living in Xorth Plains ; Hector Hays, 
also still living in the same place; Chauncey Conkey, soon 
moved away; Hiram Brown, Geo. D. Kelloggj Geo. W. 
Germain, and Major D. Mills, still resident; Baker Borden, 
moved to Grand Rapids; Moses De Long, Lyman Williams, 
Lorin Jenks and Yale ntine Lewis, transient; Henry Y. Lel)- 
hart, died at Lyons, 1874; Silas Crippen, died 1852; Jay Olm- 
sted, died 1868, aged 57; AVm. Sessions, lives at Ionia; John 
Jennings, lives in Bonald; Caleb Bundy, died 1855; Samuel 
Staughton, dead; Caleb Crippin, died in Isabel county; 
Alvin B. Smith, dead; John McKelvy, died 18-17, aged 57; 
Jacob Dunn, dead; Joseph Bundy, died in the array. 

The honor of being the first settlers of North Plains is 
amicably divided between Hiram Brown and Hector Hays, 
who left Ontario county, N. Y., in October, 1836, with their 
families, and in company wended their weary %vay to the wilds 
of Michigan. They were not without means; each had a yoke 
of oxen, wagon, and a little money. At Detroit they pur- 
chased extra teams; loaded their families and provisions on 
their wagons; sent their household goods around the lakes and 
took the trail for Ionia. It was their intention to have kept 
together, but the lazier team and heavier load of Hays, made 
it irksome to Brown to keep back, or for Hays to keep up. At 
Pontiac Hays told Brown to " go ahead." Brown went ahead, 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. Ill 

and, by arriving four days sooner than Hays, secured the dis- 
tinction of being the "first settler." Arrived Oct. 9th. 

This journey -was one of labor and suffering; streams were 
to be forded; a heavy snow fell while they were on tlieir jour- 
ney. ISTiglits were spent camping under trees. They were 
not used to that style of living, and it is no wonder, if, before 
the weary journey wa? ended, they wished themselves back in 
old Ontario. 

Brown arrived at In's camping ground in I^orth Plains, Oct. 
5th, 1836, and Hays four days later. Tliey camped for a 
Mdiile until they could get themselves log houses, which they 
did before winter. They had provisions, young hearts and 
stout hands, and they went to work. They had neighbors at 
the south; but in all other directions all was a " hooting wikl- 
erness." " Finny streams," " lowing vales," aud. " howling 
wildernesses " are hackneyed terras, whicli from use have lost 
their poetic charm. When we recollect that in the wilds of 
Michigan, the owl was the settler's chief serenader. the term 
'•hooting wilderness " is seen to be singularly expressive and 
poetic. But let all future writers bear in mind, tliat the felicit- 
ous expression is copyrighted. 

In 1837, the accessions were: Jay Olmstead, Xathanial Ses- 
sions, Moses Dean, Anson D. Glass, Silas Crippin, Wm. Yance, 
and Major D. Mills. 

Afterwards the filling up was slow for some years. Among 
those arriving in the succeeding years, we notice, Geo. "VV. Kel- 
logg, '39; Mrs. Elizabetli Palmer and sons, Samuel E. Staugh- 
ton, George AY. Germain, John McKelvy, "William W. Edmins- 
ter, Jireh Baker and family, his son Horace Baker, and Bartly 
Dunn. 

The history of this town is not so much its settlement, as 
of its steady development into fine farms and thriving villages. 
Its pioneers, Brown and Hays, in a good old age, still live, 
enjoying the well-merited respect of the people, wlio have 
always looked up to them as among their leaders. But few 
of the other pioneers still add the dignity of their venerable 
presence to the town. Of many who have 2)assed away, we 
are sorry to say, no stone marks their grave. We have all 



112 MEMORIALS OF THE 

maimer of " associations " now-a-days; would not a " Pioneer 
Monnment Association " be a graceful addition to the number? 

Of IlaySj it in?j be said, that if his lazj oxen deprived him 
of tlie distinction of being the pioneer of ]^orth Plains, he was 
in another sense Me pioneer. He first ixixva^x^^- fatted heej 
to the citizens of Grand Papids. That is an event of too 
much importance for the liistoriau to pass over. He liad 
raised a yoke of steers; but in their development one of them 
grew up the most ungainly brute that ever disgraced a farm — 
so big that he could not be matclied, and so ill-shaped that if 
he had been mated w^ith his equal, Ilays did not wish to be 
branded as their owner. What was to be done? " I will fat 
him," said Hays; and he did it. He fed him a year, took him 
to Grand Kapids, and sold him. There several clubbed to- 
gether, bought the monster, paraded liim, decked with ribbons, 
through the streets, while a herald announced his slaughter the 
next morning. The morn of sacrifice cauie. Eacli. denizen of 
the viHage came for a piece of the " big ox." They had eaten 
nothing before but beef " fatted lean " on browse and marsh 
hay. Such a smacking of lips as there was there that forenoon 
was a joy to witness. The universal greeting was: 'T)id you 
have some of the beef?" "Wasn't it delicious?" So great 
was the rush to the slaughter-house, that by eight o'clock in the 
morning, nothing was left of the meat but the tail and half the 
liver, l^othing was heard during the day but praises of the 
beef. It was a day long to be remembered by the residents 
at Grand Papids. 

When Hays returned home, he sat down to figure on his 
'•bio; ox," and the result was: 

(Xx Dr. 

Cost of first four years $50 00 

Feeding five tons of hay at $8 per ton 40 00 

100 bushels of potatoes at 20 cts. per bushel 20 00 

75 " corn at 30 cts. per bushel 22 50 

Marketing 5 00 

8137 50 
Cr. cash on sale 56 00 

Clear profit 8^1 50 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 113 

" "Well done, ox ! Henceforth be thou identified with the 
corporeal sj'stem of the citizens of Grand Rapids, and I will 
enjoy the j)roJit of thj living identity." 

Historicallv, ISTorth Plains has the advantage of a tragedy, 
which is still shrouded in mystery. In the spring of 1838 the 
settlers and community were horrified by the murder of the 
family of Ansel D. Glass, before mentioned as one of the pio- 
neer settlers of the town. Public opinion is still divided as to 
who was the perpetrator. Glass lived four miles from any 
neighbor. The last known of him he had cut his foot badly 
on the instep; this was done up by Major Mills, who, with his 
w^ife, went there at the request of Mrs. Glass. This was about 
the middle of March. Judge Brown, out hunting, came to Glass' 
house, found it partly burned, and saw the partly consumed 
remains of several persons; he spread the report, and soon an 
excited crowd gathered. A coroner's jury was empaneled, who 
investigated the case, but conld arrive tit no conclusion, except 
that Mrs. Glass and her two children were murdered. The 
excitement was intense; Glass could not be found. Some cir- 
cumstances pointed to the Indians as the murderers, and the 
fear of the Indians almost paralyzed the people. Cobmoosa 
and the Indians came to the scene of the murder; they endeav- 
oring to exculpate the Indians of the Valley, still saying it was 
Indians' work. An eye witness, Capt. Parks, sajs that the 
]nien of that chief, as he addressed the Indians there, was of 
the most impressive dignit}^ Although his addi-ess was not 
understood by the whites, the eloqnence of tone and action was 
comprehended and felc by all. 

No effort M'as S23ared by the Indians to allay the fears of the 
settlers. By every imaginable act of kindness they tried to 
conciliate o-ood will, but all in vain until the storr of the dis- 
covery of Glass was circulated. Then confidence again re- 
turned, and the settler, when he bade his loved ones "• Good 
night," did it without fear, and slept in peace. 

Four Indians, not belonging to any of the river clans, had 
been loafing around for some time, and were not seen after the 
murder of the Glass family. The Indians laid the deed to 
them. Others believed that Glass was the murderer, and that 



114 MEMORIALS OF THE 

he had run away. IS^o motive can he assigned for tlie deed 
heing- done hy Glass; and besides, being crippled by a recent 
wound, lie conld not have run away. 

Onr opinion is, that these Indians got into a quarrel with 
Glass; took hiin from his house, murdered and secreted him: 
then returned and finished up the job l)y killing Mrs, G. and 
the children, and firing the house. 

It was rejjorted afterwards that Glass was seen and identified 
out by the Mississippi river. A warrant for his return to the 
State was got out, but never served, for the reason that there 
v.-cre no funds in the treasury to pay the expense. A promi- 
nent man in the county informed the writer that he himself 
invented the story of the discovery of Glass, to allay the set- 
tlers' fear of the Indians. No one felt safe. He Avas satisfied 
that the Indians of the Valley did not do the deed, and, to re- 
assure the people, manufactured the story. His name is not 
here given. Those who know what it is to be afraid of In- 
dians, will excuse the fraud. But until the above alluded to 
man shall see fit, ov^er his own name, to tell his story to the 
public, the memory of Glass will be coupled with the belief in 
his three-fold murder. 

Mr. McKelvy, who more properly belongs to Lyons, brought 
the hrst " civilized hogs" into the Grand River Valley. Those, 
who have seen the old-fashioned, yellow, long-nosed grey- 
hound hogs of Michigan, will appreciate this act of Mclvelvy. 
Those, who in former times ate " Western pork," know 
well the difference between a civilized and a savage 
hog. The hog, unrefined by culture, is a savage beast; 
lean as a wolf; one-third nose; a sinister, gaunt, long-eared 
nuisance. Cultivated, he is the noble Suffolk, with his sleek 
sides stuffed with juicy pork; or the beautiful Chester, whose 
mild eyes and glossy sides seem smilingl}^ to sa}', "eat me." 
What cannot culture do? 'Tis as ui^eful in man as in the hog. 
Under culture, the old brutal swine, cursed by the Jew; a by- 
word for slovenly brutishncss, is disaj^pearing; yes, has disap- 
])eared. When will culture cause to disapjx^ar the brutish, 
sujDerstitious, even unhogly, human swine? Alas, it is to be 
feared that " careful selection'' and the knife will never exterm- 
inate the old kind, as in America they have done with the hog. 



GRAND EITER VALLEY. 115 

Let US do honor to Miss Sarah Sangster, who first, in a little 
slianty, kept a private school near Mr. Hays'. She M'as the 
daughter of a Baptist preacher, and is now, if living, Mrs. 
Flo3'd (a widow), in California. This is not the only town 
that cherislies the name of Miss Sangster. In another part of 
this book our opinion is freely given of the "school-marms."' 
A7e wi 11 only add here our advice to young men. In looking for 
a good wife, one who will he a helpmate and a companion, and 
a wise mother to your children, don't look among the fashion- 
able Misses (if you have brains), until you have seen the 
'* school-marm." 

The preachers who jjenetrated the town when it was the 
back-woods, were Mitchell, Chatfield and L. M. S. Smith, 
(otherwise spoken of). But the one who has the honor of 
being the first was jN^athan Mount. 

As an historical event, we might tell of the preparation by 
the Second Adventists of their "ascension robes" and their 
waiting for the final trump; but sickened disgust at fanatic 
superstition prompts to draw the veil, and name neither per- 
sons nor time. It is sufficient to say there is jpHy for dupes, 
scorn for knaves, and contempt for fools. The town has had 
its Second Advent spasm — hope they learned common sense 
by it; but vain is the hope. Those whose foreheads "slant 
back" 'will have some dear delusion, and will pray about those 
who cherish "human reason." 

In passing, we will say a few words about John Mclvelvy, 
wlio sleeps in the cemetery at North Plains, but who belonged 
to Lyons. He brought in the first drove of cattle, and the 
first seed wheat. In 1838, his son, John, Jr., brought in^ the 
first thrashing-machine — an 8-horse power — going to Roches- 
ter, N. Y., for it. The wheat was sold in small quantities to 
the settlers, for $5 per bushel. 

This John McKelvy was a character in his way; a man of 
strong intellect, of stern integrity; sympathetic and helpful to 
the needy; energetic in business, and not to be trifled with. 
He served in the war of 1812. In 1827, he settled seven miles 
north of Pontiac; and, in 1834, moved to Lyons, where lie 
improved a large farm, and secured a handsome pro]ierty. He 



116 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

died in 1847, aged 57. One son of his — Daniel— went to the 
Mississippi, and was bronght back to die. A daughter is the 
wife of Jolm E. Morri on, of Ionia; and his son and name- 
sake is a hxwjer and farmer in North Plains. 

This John McKelvy can tell von many a good story of 
those " dear old times." Get him, Hays, Brown, Mills, and 
the other old sinners — no, settlers — together, their pipes all 
lit, a good pitcher of cider on the table, and they will spin 
yarns enough — all intensely interesting to the actors — to make 
a book. But gentle reader, a story from the mouth of a living 
actor in the scene, is one thing; a printed report of it as taken 
down by a reporter, is quite another. Listen to the aforesaid 
old fellows, laughing until their jolly old sides ache, as one 
remembrance after another comes up; you laughing yourself 
into convulsions in the sympathy of full enjoyment. Then 
go home and try to write it up. It wonH he written. A 
spirit cannot be caught. Life is made up of common events of 
the intensest interest to the individuals, but no common event 
will bear printing. You have worked hard, dear reader; have 
been a good man or woman ; but have you given one line to 
history! Of most of us good folks, the only record will be on 
a stone: " Died Dec. 16th, 1879, aged 61 years, 5 months and 
21 days and a half." How many a useful career has no more 
record! 

MATHEKTON. 

This is a snug little village, bearing the name of its founder, 
Asaph Mather, who, in 1844, bought out Beckwith & Co., 
who, two years before had made a beginning — built a saw 
mill, etc. It is now a snug little village — such as will cluster 
itself about the mills. 

The place is capable of further development. Of it^ Mather 
has been, and is, the center and the soul; in more senses than 
one, the " biggest man in town." A steam saw mill was built 
by Mather in 1873. A school is kept all the year, 

nUBBARDSTON. 

Under the auspices of the Hubbardston Lumbering Com- 
pany, and centering around their works, is the snug village 
with the above name. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 117 

This company was composed of Thomas Hubbard, l^oali 
• Hitchcock, Kevvton W. Taylor, Wilson Homer and N'elson F. 
Rogers. 

They, with a capital of $75,000, laid out the village, and 
put up mills in 1865. They have a saw mill of 40 M per day 
capacity, sash and blind works, and are erecting works for 
the manufacture of various artidles from hard wood. The 
village contains seven hundred inhabitants; a graded school, 
with five teachers. 

The village has three taverns, six stores, one lawyer, two 
doctors, one foundry, three churches — the Methodist built in 
1868, the Congregational in 1868, and the Catholic in 1869. 
It has also a printing ofiiee and newspaper. 

The water-power is one of the best in the country, and capa- 
ble of further development. 

In the cemetery at JN^orth Plains, may be found another 
instance of the coincident death of an old couple. Moses 
Rounds, 1868, aged 75; his wife, Sophia, the same day. 

It is to be supposed they were marvied; that tliey were 
imbued with an idea, now obsolete, that a man and his wife 
are one. Would it not be well if people had not become so 
much wiser than the original lawj^ei", who promulgated that 
idea. My hat came off at this grave. I know not who they 
were, except they were "'Moses and Sophia Rounds;" but 
between them there certainly was one soul. 

The following account of Ronald is mainly from an article 
prepared by the Rev. John Yan Yleck, and published in the 
" Ionia County Directory." Mr. Yan Yleck is an old resident, 
and speaks of what he knows. The language of Yan Yleck is 
not used, but we are happy to acknowledge our obligations to 
him, and to Mr. Dillenback, wlio has kindly consented to our 
use of the article. 

Ronald was first broken into in the spring of 1837, by George 
Younger and Joshua Shepard. Shepard's location is now 
the county poor farm. He did not survive but a short time 
He left a widow and three sons — William, Chauncey and 



118 MEMORIALS OF TUE 

Xorman, who remained on the farm and cleared it up. Sam- 
uel Yates had before (1835) settled south of the town line, 
locating part of his farm in Ronald. Shepard's farm was near 
the south line. 

In the autnmn of 1837, came the Hev. John Van Vleck and 
AVilliam AVood, who pushed further north; Van Vleck locat- 
iue: where now is the village of Palo, and Wood on Sec. 19. 
In the winter following, the fathei- of Yan Yleck came on to 
look; looked, saw and approved, and the next summer moved 
on with his laniily. The family consisted of Mathew Yan 
Yleck, his wife, three sons, John, Albert and Peter, and two 
daughters, Catharine and Sarah. The entire family are still 
living; the old patriarch is happy, seeing his sous and daugh- 
ters all around him, enjoying the good things of the world, and 
the respect of the commnuity, of which they and he were the 
pioneers. Tlie family secured an abundant supply of land, 
and have held on upon it. 

They had no neiglibors for several years; and a journey 
through the "tangled wiklerness" to the abodes of civilization 
was no trifle. The old gentleman and his wife, on the shady 
side of 80, in their cosy home in Palo, are biding their time. 
Intellect is still clear, and though the departure is at hand, con- 
scious of a life well spent, and proud of the family they have 
i-eared, they look not back with regret, and have no fears of 
being forgotten. The hoary head, which is the crown of a life 
well S2:)ent, has always its veneration, and we reverently take 
oifourhatto the venerable old man and woman, peacefully 
iinishing life's wearying pilgrimage. We do not say "live 
forever," for it is our hope, in peaceful and honored old age, 
"to lie down with our fathers." So, when the time comes, 
when " the wheel is broken at the cistern," and the pulses of 
life beat without emotion, we hope that loving hands will lay 
vou away where the angel of the resurrection will And you. 
Be yours a peaceful old age awhile longer, while intellect holds 
sway, and while life has its charms. AYlien these lail, it is 
sweet to rest. Who wishes to live, a human nobody — a shat- 
tered lantern, in which no light is burning ? Benedicite ! 

Moralizing on old age, we have strayed from Ronald. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 119 

Catharine Yan Yleck mari-ied George D. Taster, and noM- 
survives as his widow. Their marriage was the first event of 
the kind in the town. At the rural wedding, an immense wikl 
turkev was a part of the feast; whether served in ancient 
Spanish style, like the peacock at Don Pedro's feast, "all 
dressed in tire and feather," tradition does not say. That the 
tiddler came from loiiia, with his old violin, to start the rural 
swains and country lasses into the hilarious dance, is not sup- 
posahle— for her hrother was a minister; the dance was nnder 
the churclTs proscription; and the violin was hanned, excom- 
municated and ahhorred. It had not yet won its plac3 in the 
churches and at Christian homes, for the good reason that it 
liad kept bad company. Young reader, beware, and take a 
lesson from the violin, li you are found in low company, 3'ou 
will not find your place in higher. ISTo, they did not have a 
violin; but the young dominie cracked many a sly juke, that 
exploded in hilarious laughter. Why, let alone the dominie 
for waking up a wedding party. Xow, they are much like 
other genial people; but in time past they were just like a bot- 
tle of champagne — still and long-visaged until the cork was 
taken out. Then, though long-visaged still, there was an ex- 
plosive effervescence. AVe don't say it was in this case; only 
that this vxis dominical nature; a fact which proves that grace 
cannot altogether conquer human nature. 

In 1838, Alanson Snow (since dead) came, with a large fam- 
ily, and located in the middle of the town. His tather-in-law, 
Panffborn, was broui^ht on with them. Pie was a Revolution- 
ary soldier; kept alive, as was said, to draw his pension, much 
longer than there is an^^ sense or propriety in living; alive long 
years after all show of intellect had disappeared, and almost all 
signs of even life; dying, at last, over one hundred years old, 
from mere lack of any oil in the exhausted lamp. To live so 
is dreadful. Death, thou art not " the king of terrors" to a 
good old age. Thy presence is welcome, as bringing a peace- 
ful rest. Why sometimes forget to come when life is a weari- 
ness and a curse? 

Of senses bereft, 
And all that is dear, 



120 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The little that's left 

Is out of its sphere. 
0, is there not sadness 

In an old man's doom! 
And say, is it madness 

That welcomes the tomb? 

The same year came Lafayette Church, now a minister m 
Gratiot county. He made some improvements and went away. 
So also came and went J. J. Foote. 

In 1830, Stephen and Wellington Page settled in the town, 
where they held prominent place among tlie good citizens; 
they now reside in Ionia. 

Eli Soule came in 1840, but left for other parts. Wm. Jen- 
nings came in '42. "He now is in Ionia. Joseph L. Freeman 
and family were added in '43, and the same year Daniel 
Dodge. His sons say he was not that Dodge whose epitaph — 

" He dodged the good, 

But never dodged the evil; 
He dodged his best and all he could, 
But could not dodge the devil," — 

has become classic. No, he was not tluit Dodga, but another 
man of another family. Tliat Dodge was a Dr. Dodge, of 
Thomaston, Maine, and this epitaph, composed by himself, was 
truly expressive of the character of the old reprobate. The 
Ronald Dodge was another sort of man; and ;vmong his sons 
were two lawyers, one doctor, one editor, and two teachers. 
No old bach., like the Dr. Dodge of Thomaston, or sucli a 
man, ever raised such a family. Two of his boys — the tv.^ins — 
look so much alike, especially Elvander, that they scarcely 
know themselves apart. 

1845 brought the Mosier f unily, Geo. Sessions and Phineas 
Hutchins. Sessions went away after a few years, and, as a 
consequence, was killed by the caving of a mine in California; 
a warning to such as desert Ronald. 

Alpheus Hawley came in '46 — a man who was deatli on bears, 
wolves and muskrats, as well as a successful farmer, and 
valued citizen. He is still resident. His tribute to his coun- 
try was two sons, who died in the war. 



GRAND RIVEE VALLEY. 121 

» 

Slowly the town filled up. In 1846, at the time of its 
organization, there were 26 voters. At the organization AVm. 
Jennings had the honor of being the first supervisor. 

In 1845, that " Mother in Israel," Mrs. Dodge, organized 
a Sunday school. This woman died at the residence of her 
son, in Ionia, in 1872. The pioneer school was kept by John 
Van Yleck — only 5 or 6 scholars. 

About 1854, Albert Van Vleck, thinking it was too bad for 
the people to go to Ionia for their matches and tobacco, opened 
a little store, where he kept those articles; also, calico, sugar, 
etc. Soon around the store centered the blacksmith, shoe- 
maker, carpenter, etc. This decided that there was the place 
for the church, the school-house, and the et ceteras of a country 
center, and the pretty village of Palo is the result. In honor 
of the victory at Palo Alto it received its name; a name sug- 
gested by Van Vleck, and given by acclamation, wdien the 
news of that victory first came. 

Palo is now a snug country center. Here the Baptists and 
Methodists have their churches; and here they have several 
manufacturing concerns, and the usnal complement of stores, 
doctors, mechanics, etc., of a thriving country village. The 
place has no natural advantages, but is what man made it. 

Ronald has its traditions. It once had a magistrate — a jus- 
tice or an esquire— not learned indeed in the law, but fertile 
in resources. This dignitary was called upon to weld two into 
one, which he did to his own and their satisfaction. To his own, 
for he had been sadly in need of a dollar to send to Ionia for 
whisky and tobacco; to, theirs, for a life of blissful union wa< 
now begun. But earthly bliss is often evanescent: Ero 
twenty days had elapsed, the married couple presented them- 
selves again at the justice's house. " We cannot live together," 
said Obadiah. " I xaonH live with him," said his charjning 
Sophia. "Can't you unmarry us? " said both together. The 
justice pondered, and scratched his judicial head; he took 
down the " statutes," searched them, and ruminated deep and 
long. He found no laio to authorize the deed. lie 
thought again — "What man has done he may undo; this 
is common sense, and should be law." Rising from his 



122 MEMOKIxVLS OF THE 

magisterial chair, he said: "Obadiah and Sophia, stand up, 
and take each otlier by tlie hand; do yon solemnly promise to 
separate, and bother each other no more?" Answer of both : 
'' You bet on that." " Then 1 unmarrj^ you — get along with 
you — ^\*ou couple of greenies; associate with owls and porcu- 
pines ; only get out of my sight — git ! " And they '' got " incon- 
tinently and instanter. 

Another dim tradition is one, in which the Rev. Yan Yleck, 
a horse, a deer, a fire-brand and a pair of scissors are mixed 
up. But whether it was that Yan Yleck, riding along an 
Indian trail, saw a deer; and having snatched the remnants of a 
pole from a burning brush-pile, mounted his horse, pursued, 
overtook and knocked down the deer witli the blazing brand, 
and then cut his throat with a pair of scissors; or that a deer, 
riding a pair of scissors, chased Yan Yleck, knocked liim down 
with a horse, and cut liis throat witli a fire-brand ; or, that a 
horse, riding a fire-brand, pursued a pair of scissors, knocked 
them down with Yan Yleck, and cut their throat with a deer, 
is quite uncertain; antecedent probability is in favor of the 
first way of stating it; but the tradition is mixed. This much 
is sure — some such event did ha^^pen. 

We will follow the fortune and the fate of a few more of the 
pioneers of Ronald. 

Alfred Yan Yleck has always lived at Palo. There he is as 
happy as 1,000 acres of prime land, fiocks, herds, money in 
the bank, and a good name, can make him. 

George Younger, was an industrious, hard-working Scotch- 
man; an honest, sober man. He has paid the debt of nature. 

Win. AYood, lived in Ronald but a few years; removed to 
Otisco, where he built a mill. He died at Saranac, about 1871. 

Benjamin F. Pew, who should have been mentioned as com- 
ing in about 1840, lias alternated between Ronald and Califor- 
nia. He was a "patriot "in the McKenzie war in Canada; 
was a prisoner at Quebec. Released, he concluded to let the 
(Canadians do their own putriotism. He has since thrived by 
attending to liis own business as a merchant at Palo. He has 
been a mighty hunter. 

Wm. Jennings, left Ronald; but left behind the regret that 



GKAND EIVEK VALLEY. 123 

lie chose Ionia. He labored for the good of the community, 
and had a strong hold on their respect, which he had worthily 
won. He is now a merchant at Ionia. 

Ronald was organized as a town in 1S45. Its first officers 
were : 

William Jennings, Supervisor; William J. Clark, Clerk; 
Royal Howell, Treasurer; John Ransom, Parley Eaton, 
Chauncey Goodwin, Joseph L. Freeman, Justices. 

PALO BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Baptist Church at Palo was organized March 18th, 1846, with twelve 
members — seven men and five women. About three hundred have since 
been admitted by letter or profession. The Rev. John Van Vleck, who was 
one of the constituent members, was the firet pastor, and has served, m all, 
seventeen years in that capacity. 

This church was the first in Ronald; and for several years the only religious 
society m town. Its growth has been steady and healthy; and a quiet, yet 
powerful mfluence for good has gone out from it during all the years of its 
existence. It has a good frame meeting house — built aboftt 1860. It has now 
a membership of over 150 persons, and is, under the leadership of its px-esent 
pastor. Rev. H. A. Rose, likely to continue a prosperous and useful religious 
society. J. V. C 

The following communication is left to tell the story of 
Methodism in this region. It is given in the language of the 
writer. We only wish we had such reports from all the 
churches as we get from Ronald : 

PALO METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This church consists of three Classes : the Palo, West Bushnell and South 
Ronald Classes, having a total full membership of one hundred and forty; 
probationers, twenty. 

The present pastor. Rev. Burton S. Mills, receives a salaay of $800, and 
parsonage, $100 — $900. The parsonage was built in 1858. In the years 
1869-70, a church building, o6 by 60 feet, was erected and furnished with a 
bell, organ, cai-pet and furnace, at a total cost of $4,500, and dedicated, free 
of debt, August, 1870. 

Since that time sheds have been built containing ten stalls, and costing 



The West Bushnell Class have a neat little chapel nearly completed, cost- 
ing about $1,500, which they expect to dedicate, free of debt, before the close 
of the present year. 

The first organization within our present limits, was the Class at Long 
Plains, in the year 1846, organized by the preachers in charge of either the 
Ionia or Lyons Circuit — Revs. F. A. Blades and Comfort. This is tlae 



124: MEMORIALS OF THE 

present South Ronald Class, and some of the original members are still living 
and members of the Class. 

In 1854, the Michigan Annual Conference organized the Matherton Cir- 
cuit, consisting of this and several other Classes. In 1856, Palo Class was 
added, and in 1861-2 these had increased to ten Classes. In 1862, PaloCir- 
suit was formed, and in 1870, consisted of five Classes, two of which in that 
year were set off to Bloomer Circuit, leaving the charge consisting of the 
three Classes as they exist at the present time, the oldest being the original 
" Long Plains Class " of 1846. A. E. Halbert. 

Palo, Nov. 4th, 1875. 

ORLEANS. 

The liistorj of Orleans is of settlement and growth, with no 
striking events to render it peculiar. 

It was not a town by itself until 1846. The first town 
meeting was at the residence of Ira "Wheeler. The first town- 
ship officers elected were: 

Gilbert II. King, Sui:)ervisor; Seneca H. King, Cleric; Ira 
Wheeler, Treasurer; Gilbert H. King, Jesse Wood, Guy Web- 
ster, Gerret Snetiker, Justices. 

The first school was ke^^t by a Miss Hewitt, in the chamber 
ber of a log house. 

The first settler was Guy Webster, in the southeast corner 
of the town, in 1838; he came in March. He was followed in 
May by Joseph Collins; and soon after by Erastus Higl)ee in 
June; and by Asa Palmer and Lorenzo D. Bates in December. 
Of these, Webster and Iligbee are dead. Tlie rest have moved 
off, leaving Mr. Palmer alone in his glory. 

In 1839 a few more came — Daniel Iloyt, who still resides 
on the land he first purchased; and, by the way, he was the 
first preacher in the town; Archibald Sangsl^er and Chester 
Schoffield, both of whom moved away; and Joseph Collins. 
In Collins' family occurred the first death in the town — that 
of his son Joseph, Jr., in the winter of 1839-40. Also in his fiim- 
ily occurred the first wedding. Two young fellows from Otisco, 
"Wm. G. Bradish and Hiram Baxter, being out hunting one 
day, discovered Collins' charming daughters, as they were 
picking blackberries. The consequence was that, some time 
afterwards, Thomas Cornell, Esq., of Ionia was called to the 
house of Collins, and by him four were made two — that is, if 
man and wife are one. 



GKAKD EIVER VALLEY. 125 

We cannot give the date of the entry of others, neither is it 
important. Orleans was settled at a time when it was only to 
go one step farther. 

We have as early settlers the names of Jesse Wood, Alexan- 
der Howe, Martin Eckart, Gilbert H. King, Wm. R. Ividd, 
Wm. Bradley, Sanrael E.ahy, and Joseph C. Green. All of 
whom 'are dead. As transient residents, we find Agnns Mc- 
Pherson, Isaac Ilarwood, Milo K. Cody, David Conrter, Rob- 
ert W. Kidd, Dewitt C. Ilurd, Chester Goss, and Marvin 
Ilaight. Of those who came to stay, stayed, and at this writing 
(1875) are living residents, were Edward B, Post, Richard 
Hill, Richard Hale, Albert Dorr, Ira Wheeler, Samuel T. 
Kidd, Warner Wheeler, Thomas ITeep, W. Gould, James C. 
Beach, Seneca H. King, Lewis J. Holcorab, Charles Chad- 
wick, Hiram Hall, Adam Bussard, and Joshua Hall. The 
Ifst above given are reported to have come from 1843 to 1846, 
inclusive. 

A quiet farming town, it has gone on the even tenor of its 
wa}^; every one, as a general thing, minding his own business; 
thus engaged, they have prospered. They have only modest 
churches, and are not overstocked with them. The Seventh Day 
Adventists have a church; also the Free Methodists, and the 
Episcopal Methodists. There is a pretty Town Hall — erected 
in 1871. 

Such is, in brief, the history of this excellent town — no his- 
tory at all. It is a good place to live in, and the distance from 
there to heaven is the same as from Ionia. Are we to suppose 
that because Ionia has her spires pointing heavenward, the 
people there worship God more devoutly than in Orleans? 
Perhai^s, too, Orleans will build her temples, and decorate her 
altars. But at present she is content with rural simplicity. 
That she does not associate ignorance with simplicity, her ten 
school-houses attest. -But still she has no history — long may 
it be before she has any. 

Since writing the above, we have clipped from a paper the 
following obituary notice: 

"Died in Ronald, Dec. 23d, (1874,) Mrs. Lucretia Webster; 
ao^ed 84. 



126 MEMORIALS OF THE 

"The deceased and lier husband, the late Gen. Webster, 
came to Ronald in 1838. They were the first settlers in the 
town of Ronald (Orleans?). In their house many an early settler 
found a hospitable welcome and a temporary home. Few women 
were so universally esteemed as Mrs. Webster in the com- 
munity, where she had so long lived, and where she died. 
She was, in the truest sense of the term, a Christian lady. 
Attentive to the poor, kind to the sick, and warmly sympa- 
thizing with the afflicted ; an excellent neighbor, a true friend 
and counselor; she was an invaluable member of society, and 
has left behind her a name that will not be forgotten." 

That is but a part of what was said, but if that is true, and 
she was your mother, yon are not a very bad man. Good 
and wise women don't raise low families. 

OTISCO. 

Otisco, then composed of towns 7 and 8 K., R. 8 W., was 
organized by act of Lesjislature in 1838. The first town meet- 
ing was held at the house of Ambrose Spencer. There are no 
records of the meeting in existence. From the memorj' of 
individuals is gathei-ed, that John L. Morse M'as elected super- 
visor; R. R. Cook, clerk; Geo. W. Dickinson and IT. Ilorton, 
justices. 

In 1836, five men— Daniel Ilorton, Xathanicl Ilorton, Geo. 
W. Dickinson, Patrick Kelly, and Monson Seely, pushed 
several miles beyond the bounds of civilization ; and, delighted 
with the appearance of the region, shouted "Eureka!" As 
neither of them had " college larnin," it is not certain where 
they got so much Greek. They had been told it was Indian 
for "Bunkum," but that was an imposition. It means, "I 
have found it." So the historian was told by a college student, 
who was airing himself on a vacation, and displaying his 
knowledge before us — a lot of countr}^ rustics — and a college 
student ought to know. He said that Demosthenes, king of 
Ethiopia, suspected that he had been cheated by the one who 
made his crown, and that it was not pure gold. He carried it 
to Hydrocephalus, his principal wise man, and desired him to 



GEAlsT3 RIVER VALLEr. 127 

ascertain if the base raetals had been mingled with the gold 
of the kingly crown. Hydrocephalus long pondered, bnt 
scratched his woolly pate in vain. The idea would not come. 
But one day— weary, dirty and dejected — he thought to refresh 
himself with a bath. He ordered his slaves to fill the trough, 
and laid himself therein. He observed that as he descended 
into the water the water arose. An idea now flashed into his 
mind; he could solve the problem of the crown. He leaped 
from the bath, and without waiting to put on even a figleaf, ran 
through the streets of Babylon, shouting, "Eureka! Enreka!! 

Not exactly so with onr explorers. With them it meant 
" Good, A, No. 1 ;" and their judgment has been respected 
until the present day. 

Of course they pre-empted land, put them np huts, cut down 
trees, and made an opening. From their report, it was bruited 
far and near that " Otisco Plains" was the promised land; and 
the same year, Bufus B. Cook, Abdel Adgate, John L. Morse 
and Amos H. Bussell came on to see — saw, and stayed. They, 
in turn, told of Otisco; and the filling np was rapid. Soon 
Otisco had no land to spare. 

Of those coming in 1837 and '8, we are able to give the 
names of Ambrose Spencer, Charles Broas, Yolney Belding, 
Thomas Stocking, William Bussell, Edward Ingalls, John 
Shaw, Tiberius Belding, Joseph Fisk, diaries H. Morse, Jolm 
L. Morse, Bobert W. Davis, Loring Benedict, Alonzo Vanghn, 
Paul Hewitt, James Moon, Moses Collins, Alvin Moe, Gilbert 
Caswell. 

There was everything to invite the settler, and its settlement 
was more rapid than of any other rural town in the Grand 
Biver Valley. This was in a great measure owing to the fact 
that it was little work comparatively to subdue the " Burr Oak 
Plains." 

The original occupants " squatted" on their land, before it 
was in the market. They, and the other squatters in Ionia 
county, banded themselves together by an alliance, offensive 
and defensive, against that abomination of the settler — the 
speculator; and swore by the beard of Nebuchadnezzar to wreak 
summary vengeance on the reprobate, who should dare bid on 



128 MEMORIALS OF THE 

their pre-emptions. One graceless fellow, not having the fear 
of God or squatter before his eyes, did bid; and the last seen 
of him, he was all heels; going from Ionia like a streak of 
blue lightning; a yelling, infuriated score of squatters raising 
a cloud of dust in his wake. He went back East, very much 
disgusted with Ionia county. 

The first marriages were those of Ambrose Spencer and 
Evelina Melvin, of Ionia, consummated in Ionia; and that of 
Asa Palmer and E,3sa McDonald, by N". Horton, Justice of the 
Peace. 

The first birth, was a daughter to Amos Russell, (now Mrs. 
Fales, of Kendallville). The first male child born in Otisco, 
was the since Senator A. B. Morse. 

Otisco, did not long escape the notice of those energetic 
scouts — tlie Methodists. While the Episcopalians hold the 
fortresses, tlie Presbyterians and Congregationalists do battle 
in the open field, and the Baptists valiantl}' defend the coasts 
and rivers, the Methodists are scouting and skirmishing, 
wherever tiiere is a lurking enemy, or a single soul in danger. 

The first who fonnd a few souls in Otisco was the H^v. Mr. 
Frieze, who was appointed by the Ohio Conference to patrol 
from Grandville to Otisco, and manfully he did it. On foot, 
he traversed the region. He felt that souls were of infinite 
worth, and, willing to sacrifice self, he, unwearied and unflag- 
irins:, e-ave himself to his mission. His first sermon was at 
the house of Munson Seely. Tliink of it, ye dainty preachers 
who have taken up the trade to get a living; think of these 
devoted servants of Jesus, who preached Jesus in log-cabins 
or under treeSj unpaid, except by the still whisperings of a 
voice within, which said, "It is my master's work; I will glory 
in doing it." With portmanteau on his arm, as he is wending 
his way from station to station, the forest will echo with his 
song: 

"And shall I shrink to bear the cross? 
He bore the cross for me." 

Floundering at night in a swamp, or lost from the trail his 
soul still clings to the "promises;" and, wearied in body, he 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 129 

meets those tci whom he bears his msssage as the ambassador 
of heaven to lost and sinful souls. 

Those pioneer Methodists, like Frieze, ware no silk stock- 
ing gentry, wlio, standing in cushioned pulpit, will gracefully 
close their eyes and address a beautiful prayer to an admiring 
congregation. Xo, like Jacob, they wrestled with the Almighty, 
and would not let him go. They had no quartette to whom 
was delegated the singing. They sung because their burning- 
souls must pour themselves in song. The people listened, not 
to be entertained by a hnished sermon, but as sinners, wel- 
coming the message of salvation. Those were the times when 
the ])reaclier was heard; when they believed what was 
preached, and when there was a welcome to those who brought 
good-tidings to the sin-sick souls, longing for peace. Alas ! 
Methodism is not what it was; and hence its waning power. 

The first to " pass over Jordan'' in Otisco, were Clarissa Fisk 
in June, lS-11, and Eliza Stocking at about the same time. 

In the cemetery at Cook's Corners, may be found a reminder 
of how strong are the bonds holding together an aged coui^le, 
who were married not to be divorced even by death. Of such 
it is no uncommon thing, '" that one in life they ai"e one in 
death." These are the monuments of " Dea. Dimmick Ellis, 
aged 81," and his wife lies by his side, having survived three 
weeks. Again, in the same cemetery, we find jSToah and 
Xancy Kicli, dying the same year. Often, full often, is it seen 
that it breaks the heart-strings when the companion of long, 
long years, is taken away. Earth affords no anchorage. The 
lone one languishes a day, a week, or a year, and rejoins the 
lost one. The first persons the writer ever saw buried, were 
an aged man and his wife, in one broad grave. Forty years 
from that time, their son and his wife were buried in the same 
manner. Perhaps there are few cemeteries that do not tell 
the same story — an old couple who were one in soul, and all to 
each other. 

And since we are in Otisco cemetery, and thinking of 
wedded life, we will look at the monuments of Alva and Jane 
Moe, where one survived the other twenty-eight days. We arc 
glad to record any evidences that people have souls. 

9 



130 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

But vcc will come back to these pioneers: 

Daniel ITorton, removed to Iowa, 1850, wliere lie and liis 
little boy W'Cre drowned while crossing a river. 

Nathanial Horton, left for Iowa at about the same time. 

Geo. W. Dickinson, lives at Grand Rapids. 

Patrick Kelly, came with Dickinson as a hired man — a good- 
hearted Irishman. He made a good farm for himself and a 
,'vood name. He now lives in Orleans, 

SMYRNA. 

Near the soutliern border of .Otisco, on the Hat Eiver, is the 
pretty village of Smyrna. 

Operations were commenced there in 1843, by Geo. W. 
Dickinson, Calvin L. Smith and Gilbert Caswell; who built a 
mill. Smyrna is now a village, that centers around its mills. 
There are a saw mill, grist mill, sash, blind and door factory, 
planing machine, furnace, five stores, etc., and 300 people. 

There are two' churches — Baptist and Congregational. 

The following brief sketch of the history of the Baptist 
church in Smyrna, is from N. G. Chase: 

"Rev. Amos Chase, of Ada, preached occasionally, and then steadily to 
the inhabitants of this place; and was honored by the Master; but Eld. 
Underbill, of Vergenne3, was ministering there at the time of their organi- 
zation. 

The constituent members were only sLx: James W. Buttolf, Maria But- 
lolf, Judson Buttolf, N. G. Chase, Lucinda Chase, Wm. R. Douglass. 

Several others who were not prepared for membership, soon identified 
themselves with the number. One-half of the constituent members remain; 
the others are harvested. 

Mr. Underbill became their first pastor. Rev. A. Waterbury soon suc- 
ceeded him for a short time, when Rev. John H. Rosco became pastor. The 
pastorate has since been filled by Rev. Messrs. Charles Clutes, A. D. Wil- 
liams, F. Prescott, L. B. Fish, S. E. Faxon, A. Cornell, E. Wright, and 
Henry King, the present clergyman. 

The labors of these ministers were crowned with success in the baptism of 
many on a profession of faith; and, other places becoming too strait or una- 
vailable, the people* arose in the might of an unseen Arm, and built a neat 
little church edifice in 1868. Present membership, 63." 

The Congregationalist Church in Smyrna was organized March 21st, 1868, 

* Mr. Chase's modesty left out the fact that he himself did one-half of it, 
llie two acts arc just characteristic. 



GRAND EIVEK VALINE Y. 131 

with seven members: George C. Spencer and wite, Oscar F. Mann and 
wife, Abijah Rich, Mrs. D. B. Hippoughand Mrs. Jerome Stoughton. 

cook's cokxers. 
This is a snug little villains on the plain, with its tavern and 
its store. It has long been noted for its hotel, where the 
young and the gay have often met, and "forgot to go home 
till morning." There Cook, the genial landlord, has spread 
the bountiful board, and gathered the beautiful dollars. We 
must sadly state that since the above lines were written, Cook 
has bsen gathered to his fathers, and there seems to be some- 
thing missing at the " Corners." 

" There is a reaper, his name is Death, 
And he has a sickle keen." 

KIDBVILLE. 

This little village is also in Otisco. It has its history, its 
present reality, and its expectations. Here (liistorically) Dick- 
inson built the first saw-mill in the town. Here (present fact) 
they have a railroad station, with a fine depot; and they have 
mills, stores, etc.; and here (prospectively) a snug village must 
be. The principal proprietor is James M. Kidd, of Ionia. 

BELDIXG. 

This village, towards the northeast corner of the town, is 
likely to be the " city;" for here they have capital, determina- 
tion and pluck, and, withal, a grand water-power. 

In early times — the date lost in antiquity — Lucius Pattison 
made a beginning at what is now Belding; dammed the river, 
dug a race, and put up a saw-mill. The place did not amount 
to much until June, 1871, Avhen a com]»any, composed of Da- 
vid E. Willson, Wm. A. Luther and Robert M. AVillson, pur- 
chased the water and twenty acres of land of AVni. A. Knott. 
The only improvement was a grist-mill, which they did not 
purchase. They paid $10,750. 

They commenced operations immediately; built a saw-mill. 
At the same time tliey purchased a one-fourth interest in 80 
acres of land adjoining, paying $2,000. In company with 
Milo M., Ilirnm II. and Alva JN". Belding, they ]>lattcd the 



lolJ MEMORIALS OF THE 

most of the 80 acres. The first year thej built the saw-mill — ■ 
capacity 50,000 per da}". A sash, door and blind factory is 
owned by Fargo & Gooding. 

The head of water is twelve feet — not now using but eight 
feet. The power is not one-third used. 

The village has now 400 inhabitants, with the usual busi- 
ness of a country village, in addition to Vv'hat rests on the 
water-power. A branch railroad comes there. The company 
c»wn ninety-five acres of land across the river, which they are 
intending to plat. There is a good graded school, with two 
teachers; two churches — the Christian and Baptist. 

The Christian Church was organized in 1844. The pioneer members were 
Geo. A. PhilHps and wife, Mrs. Boynton, Mrs. Stokes, Erastus Jenks and 
wife, Richard Elhs and wife; Alva Thompson, wife son and daughter. The 
next year the Rev. Wilson Mosher became its pastor, and continued in that 
relation until his death in 1873. They have held their meetings in school- 
houses and halls, but propose soon to build a church at Belding. Present 
pastor, David E. Miller. Number 35. 

KEENE. 

The following account of the "settlement"' of Keene was 
furnished the publishers of the " Ionia County Directovy,'" by 
a well posted citizen of the town. The author of this book, 
on visiting the town, ascertained that, with a few minor cor- 
rections, the report was correct, and that but little more could 
be gleaned. With his thanks to Mr. Dillenback, we gladly 
avail ourselves of the results of his inquiries. 

Kecne is inhabited by a "j)6culiar" people; whether 
"sanctified and set apart" is not known, but this much is 
certain: the town is not like other towns. In other towns 
there is a mixture of saints and sinners; farmers, mechanics, 
merchants, professionals, etc., but here they are all of one 
sort — farmers. It is not certain that they are not as religious 
as the people of neighboring towns, but as yet they have 
neither priest nor church of any kind. It may be that some 
jovial sons of Bacchus may there be resident, but this much 
is true — the town has neither tavern nor grogshop. A lo^v 
Avhisky-hole was once set up, but it died of delirium tremens 
or starvation, and no sneaking scalawag has ventured on an- 



GRAND KIYER YALLET. 166 

other. Tlie town has never had a store or mill. The peoj^le, 
with the exception of one blacksmith and a rake-maker, are 
all farmers The reason of this seems to be, it is encom- 
passed with villages on its borders. On the east, at no great 
distance, is the citj of Ionia. Just on its sonthern border, 
across the river, is the village of Saranac, and on the north, 
just on the line, is the village of Smyrna. In these are the 
churches where the Iveeneites worship. Thej have eight 
chances to find their own order in Saranac; three in Smyrna, and 
still more in Ionia. There thej go, and having helped build 
and sustain these, they are not so green as to build churches 
ill the town; having no need of them. They can go to mill 
at either of the aforementioned places; and also they can there 
find a mechanic, and can buy tlieir tobacco, and the thousand 
and one things civilized desire may call for ; and there, too 
(if they have the pass-word), they can get their whisky. So 
we will not call the Keeneites a forlorn and forsaken people. 
If you look at their farms and houses; contemplate their 
"lowing herds," their " bleating flocks," and their "grunting 
swine," and then take a look at the well-fed owners, quietly 
sitting before their doors, smoking the ]3ipe of peace and in- 
dependence, you will be disposed to envy them their peaceful 
lot. Far from all " middle-men," and other intermeddling 
characters— such as lawyers, ministers, doctors, shoemakers, 
and the like — happy, thrice happy, Keene. 

" No base mechanic enters here; 
No intermeddling lawyer near, 
To spoil our heartfelt joys." 

Keene was out in the woods, out of the pale of civilization, 
until late in the fall of 1837, when two young men from Mon- 
roe county, !N. y., discovered it, took a liking, built a man- 
sion, 10x16, and went to chopping. Their names were Ori-an 
Owen, and Charles Hickox. Edward Butterfield and Cyrus 
Rose discovered their tracks and followed. They commenced 
work February, 1838. Butterfield soon brought in his family, 
and is recognized as the first settler. Hose moved in the next 
December. 



134 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

In 1838 were added, Philip Monk and liis son, James Monk, 
Canadians; Morton Tiejnolds, also from Canada; Jolm Follett; 
John Conner, from Oakland county; James Chrysler (Cana- 
dian); Samuel Wells, from St. Lawrence county, ]^. Y., and 
and Dexter Cutter. Of these, Mr. Butterfield died in 18-10, 
Mr. Ilickox in 1870 ; Mr. Conner was killed by the falling of 
a tree, in 1S52. 

In 1839, Philip Monk, James Baird and Elijah Sprag-ue 
were added to the settlers; David and Stephen Shaul; also 
Jennison Henry and Simon Heath, John L. Covert, Elijah 
Sprague and family; Wm. Lott, Thomas Beattie, with Natiian- 
iel, his son, and his son-in-law, Joseph Brown; Prindle Hub- 
bel and Robert Taylor. There maij l)e error in the date of the 
advent of some of these: 

" Oblivaon comes cai'eering- on, 
In tlie still fresh track of time." 

Wm. Lott kept the first, the last, the only sho]3 for the 
dissemination of poor whisky to thirsty, besotted, brutish men, 
wlio forget why the}^ are not swine. 

Thomas Beattie came not as an adventurer, to make a home 
for himself; he was an old man, who came with his son, and 
lonff since has o-one to his rest. 

llubbell died where he had lived, about 1855. 

Mr. Brown was killed by the running away of his oxen. 

Philip Monk, came an old man. He died about 1860. 

Charles Ilickox was never a permanent resident. Died at 
Greenville, 18T3. 

Jennison Henry was killed in '51, by a falling tree. 

Of those mentioned, several eventually found themselves in 
Saranac or Boston ; of these were James Baird, Cyrus Rose, 
Samuel Wells, James Moidv. John Follett, James Crysler. 

John L. Covert moved to Vergennes, where he still lives. 

Simon Heath left Keene for Ionia, where he died about 
1857. 

The brothers Shaul, went back to Canada. 

Mr. Baird died in '64, and Mr. Sprague, in '63; Mr. Monk 
in '63. 

Robert Taylor is long since dead. 



GEA^'D KIVEK VALLEY. 135 

It will hence be seen that but few of the original settlers 
are in the town of Iveene, or have hiiil their bones in her soil. 

We must go back a little on the track of time and record 
the event of 1838; when, on the ever memorable May 17th, 
the glad parents — Morton and AlviraE.e_ynolds— welcomed the 
first baby, their baby, to the town of Keene. The few resi- 
dents shouted the news from hnt to shanty. " They've a baby 
at Reynolds'!" ]N"othing was thought of but Reynokir baby. 
'' Have you seen the baby?" The house was besieged by the 
young and old, eacli anxious for a ]jeep at the dear little new 
one. Old Father Monk gave it his blessing; to which Mrs. 
Biitterfield added a cap, and Owen a cradle. True, this ac- 
count of their doings is all apocryphal; the record and tradi- 
tion merely sliowing that a baby was horn. The rest is what 
is supposed to have been done; the historian not being willing 
to believe they were a lumpish set of humans, without human 
souls. They had souls, and therefore they welcomed the 
" baby " and jubilated tlie event; and now and henceforth that 
jubilation is history. 

The first death in the town, was that of Mary, the wife of 
Itobert Eose. 

The pioneer wedding occurred in 1810, when Alvin Butter- 
field led to the altar — no, Esq. Dexter's — Miss Plena Phipps. 
Now we do wish that those who make history, would write it. 
Xow here is all we knov\' of that great event — the names and 
the date. It is one of the four great events of life — the most 
important of all. To be horn., married, divorced, and die, ai-e 
the events in a life history. The first and last are inevitable 
to all. The second and thiixl how few escape; or, driven by 
their strong impulsions, attempt to avoid? 

Did you ever attend a primitive wedding? We cannot 
describe this one, for we have already told all we know; tJieij 
'loere married. ' But we can describe a backwoods Avedding. 
A bushel of doughnuts is fried, wild turkeys or ducks are cooked, 
blackberry pies baked, and a jug of " be joyful" brought from 
afar. All, for a circuit of miles, are notified, and in due time 
ai^pear at the log house. Bascom, with his wife and children 
have come five miles on an ox sled. Simp;:on has come on his 



136 MEMOrjALS OF THE 

horse, with his wife behind him. Elnathan has come on foot, 
dressed in his best, leading his intended, the fair Eoxana, by 
the hand, or galhmtly canying her on his back across th(? 
intervening streams. Obadiah, witli no girl, is there alone. 
For the style of marrying, see "Lyons." 

Then comes the feastino-, the dancing under the trees, the 
kissing of the bride, with the freely expressed wishes of the 
gnests — prominent among which is the hop^that the happy 
pair will not long be alone. Hope has given wings to imagi- 
nation, and visions of sons and daughters appear— nnfjishion- 
able articles now-a-days, nnless with the "foreign element." 
But recollect, we are speaking of the days of ]-)rimitive sim- 
plicity, before fashion came round. The few maidens present 
(for they are a scarce article in the woods) are looked at fondly 
by the bashful swains; and, with av^erted eyes, seem to think 
of nothing but the new-made bride. Sly minxes they are; 
they all want Obadiali, but he does not know it. He feels 
that he is the gawkiest young man of the whole, and is aw- 
fully jealous of Peter. 

But the time comes when tliey all must go. Esq. Smith 
tells Dan and Roxana they can ride with liim; he has no 
one but his wife. They thank him, and say they can go on 
foot. The Esq. did it just to test them. He recollected that 
he was young once; and how easy it Vv'as then to walk, espe- 
cial] v on a nioonlii>:ht evening. 

, f. ^ CD 

The new couple go hand in hand to the cabin prepared; 
and, with bright hopes for the future, begin life together. The 
bride has a kettle, two chairs and a table for furniture, and her 
young heart is pleased with these. Bravely they struggle to 
make for themselves a fortune and a home. Where stood their 
little log house, you may now see the house that tells of taste 
;ind wealth; and there the little grand-children come at Chi-ist- 
mas, to hear grandpa tell his bear stories, and to eat of grand- 
jiia's pies and cakes. 

Keen c was a part of Otisco until 1S4-2. Its limits have 
since twice been changed. The r.ame was given by E. Butter- 
tield, from his native town in Xew Hamprdiire— a practice of 
which the histoii;in does not approve. 



GKAiro RIVER VALLEY. 137 

Tlie first election was held at the house of I^Tathaniel Beat- 
tie, on Monday, April 4th, 18-13, at which thirty-nine votes 
were cast; and the following j)ersons received the honors of 
the highest offices : 

Asaph C. Smith, Supervisor; Cyrenus Day, Clerk; Samuel 
AYells, Treasurer; John L. Covert, Joseph "W. Sprague, Aaron 
Hardenburg, Zacheus H. Brewer, Justices. 

A jjost-office was established in 18-15; A. C. Smith, P. M. 

Miss Ruth Hunt was the first school teacher — the date and 
place not reported. The first school house was built in 1812, 
where the Potter school-house now stands. 

The fine bridge across the Flat River was built in 1869. 

The fii'it settlers squatted on lands that were a reservation, 
and had never been in market. They joined in the general 
conspiracy against the " speculator " — ^a movement which made 
it unpleasant for any one to bid against a pre-emptor. 

The inhabitants of Keene have generally got rich by attend- 
ing to their own business. They have looked well to their 
schools, and have furnished little business for the lawyer. 
" Vive la swvplicite riirale/ " 

ORANGE. 

This town has given little to record, excejjt its settlement 
and organization. Its independent existence commenced in 
1845, when it was set oif from Portland and Berlin. The 
first town meeting was at the house of Dean W. Tyler. At 
its organization the principal officers were: 

Alexander K.Hall, Supervisor; John Brown, Clerk; Myrun 
J. King, Treasurer; Adam A. Lewis, Dean M. Tyler, Alexan- 
der Dalziel, Justices. 

The settlement dates from 1836; and those who have the* 
honor of being the first Settlers, are Seely Arms and Benjamin 
Brand. Mr. Brand built a house — the first in town — entirely 
of wood and bark, without a nail. 

In 1837 Thomas Marsh was added; and in 1838, Ira F. 
Levalley, Dean M. Tyler, his sons. Dean and Isaac, and his son- 
in-law, John Brown, George Jourdun, and Samuel Grinnells. 

In 1839 came in David Kenny, with five grown-up sons, 
three of whom the next j^ear brought on wives. 



138 MEMORIALS OF THE 

For 1842, we find S. W. Badger; and for 1843, James 
Humplireys. 

The settlement at first was slow, as some other towns had 
the reputation of being more desirable land, and so Orange 
was neo-lected until the first feverish rush of emigration and 
speculation was over. Calm, sober, second thought, in after 
years, settled it steadil}^, and it was found that Orange had as 
good land as Otisco or ISTorth Plains. The fact was made patent 
in the settlement of the Grand E.iver Yalley, that a man, 
accustomed to Eastern lands, was no judge of land in Michi- 
gan. The first selected lands were often the poorest in the 
reo-ion. I^ot a few of the earliest settlers have told tlie writer 
that their selections were the very poorest they could have 
made. And, let me ^2cj, ilioX the best land is still slighted. 
One good citizen of Orange complained to the writer that 
"great damage was done to the town by the statement in the 
directory,"- that the town had a considerable amount of marsh 
land. T^ow one acre of that despised " marsh" is worth the 
best three acres of upland in the town. If you don't believe 
it, drain and clear one of those swamps, and then grow fat and 
rich on the surprising fertility of it. Afraid of the work, are 
you? It is not so much work as to subdue the same value of 
dry land. Give a man of spunk a good marsh, and in after 
years you will see his jolly cheeks fairly hanging down with 
fatness, and his old leather pocketbook will be bursting with 
greenbacks. Bankers will touch their hats to him, and his 
townsmen will elect him " supervisor." 

My farm shall have just 10 acres of upland on it, the ]-est 
t-hall be frog pond. People put their thumbs on their noses 
and wagged their little fingers, when Governor Crapo selected 
for himself 1,000 acres of frog pond for his farm. The same 
jiersons, passing by few years later, could only gape in blank 
astonishment, when seeing that on that 1,000 acres there was 
hardly room to stack his crops. So, if you have a mud marsh 
on your farm, don't feel insulted if anybody notices it, but 
blandly intimate that you are going to drain it after harvest. 

Benjamin Brand was a worthy Dutchman, quietly pursuing 
the even tenor of his way. lie recently died. 



GKAXD KIVER VALLEY. 130 

Seely Arms was a respectable, but not prominent man. lie 
resided in Orange nntil his deatli in 1S65. 

Thomas Marsh, in a good old age, and enjoying a compe- 
tence, is where he did battle with the forest, or harmlessly 
chased the deer. 

Dean M. Tyler's course in Orange was short. He was tlie 
man looked np to, the few years he stayed. He was killed by 
a falling tree, in ISJtS. 

Is it not a little surprising that so many of the pioneers 
Avere killed by falling trees? Men do not now get killed by 
them in Michigan. No, it is not surprising. They" came from 
the open country, and knew not the dangers of woodland life. 
There is no safety or caution which is not the price of death. 
A few have to be killed to teach carpenters and masons to build 
their stagings. Once in a while a man has to be torn limb 
from limb, to show men that there is danger in revolving shafts 
or driving belts. Once in a while a man has to be cut in two 
to teach people to have their eyes open, and their thoughts 
about them, when around one of those death-dealing circular 
saws. Now and then one must be blown up or shot, to teach 
people that gunpowder is an article that will bear watching. But 
there is one danger that fails to give its note of warning, al- 
though it has been instructively dealing in death — the danger 
in coupling cars. Deaths uncounted have failed to teach the 
lesson they intended. I ask no patent for the invention ; but 
110 'more of those accidents would occur if the railroad was 
lined $100,000 for every such accident. Fear would inspire 
the proper caution; and a man might couple cars all his life, 
and die of old age. But why this preaching, and what is its 
lesson? Learn where is the danger; habitually yi^ar that dan- 
ger, and you are safe. You will not be killed by a falling tree; 
you will not cut your foot, and you will not be blaspheming 
• by talking of " inscrutable providences." 

Of Tyler's sons, one — Dean — soon moved to other parts; 
the other — Isaac — still graces Orange by his presence, and long 
may he wave! 

John Brown was a leading man of fine business capacity; 
manly, pious, and honorable; had a good deal to do with town 



140 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

affairs, for the people felt tlieir interests were safest in the 
charge of men who linew the distinction between right and 
wrong, and who also were possessed of tliat too rare article — a 
conscience. He died in 1860. 

George Jonrdon, his hard w^ork over, now lives in Port- 
land; rich enongh, if he does hnt know it, and as happy as 
good dinners and a jollj soul can make him. He can spin 
yarns al)out old times, and shake his tat at the remembrance. 
WJien you see him, just ask him to tell some of his hunting 
stories; especially, about his chasing a bear in the night, with 
nothing on but his shirt — tearing through brush and over logs, 
until shirt was gone, still cliasing bruin, until the varmint was 
treed and shot; and you will laugh, too. The tact is, Jonrdon 
was educated in the Calvinistic faith, and believed in " perse- 
verance." 

David Kenny was killed in a few years hy a tree. One of 
his sons soon died; the others moved awaj^ A very respecta- 
ble family. 

The venerable Elder Chattield was the first preacher in 
Orange. This pioneer of the Gospel in Ionia county, super- 
annuated, died at Portland. 

Like most quiet, orderly country towns, Orange has but lit- 
tle history, ]N^o startling circumstances have horrified the 
community; and the town being born, has quietly, peacefully 
grown to maturity. Things have gone on in the regular 
channel. They have courted and married; and children have 
l)een born to them. They have changed a savage wild into 
fields, waving with grain; hav^e built and adorned their beauti- 
ful liomes, until Orange is a fine rural town. And yet it has 
no history but a " bear story." Just as though the town it- 
self was not an engraved history, of wliich each stroke of the 
ax was a letter. But a history, written on the earth is one thing 
— history in a book is quite another. The book takes no note 
of the everyday events, when these everyday events are all 
that is truly real. 

CAMPBELL. 

Tliis wealthy, beautiful and excellent town, on account of 
the lateness of its settlement, has no pioneer history, except 



GEAND RIVER TALLEV, 141 

what centers aronnd two brotliers — Irish in en— after wliom tlie 
town was named. These were Martin* and Jeremiah Camp- 
l)cll, who, on Christmas day, ISiO, took possession of their 
land; where they lived for seven years before they had a 
neighbor. Jeremiah Campbell was a bachelor, and has always 
remained such. Martin had a wife and family. 

The Campbell's did not, like most pioneers, come in j)oor. 
Jeremiah brought in fourteen head of cattle and some of '' the 
root of all evil." He bnilt him a shanty; browsed his catth^ 
during the winter. How much his brother brought is not 
knoAvn. Martin, after some years, went oil to California, leav- 
ing Jeremiah, with a maiden sister, on the place where he first 
began his almost hermit life in the wilderness. There he 
lives. The fact that he is the patriarch of the town; that it 
bears his name, that he was its first Justice of the Peace, have 
not j)ufied him up with pride, or made him feel any bigger 
than when he first took up his residence in the woods. He 
apparently wears the same shirt he did then, smokes the same 
]iipe, has the same simple fnrniture, is true to his old religion, 
and, in old age, is the same Jeremiah; a center of interest; an 
interesting fossil— a man of his own sort. On coming in he 
bought only eighty acres of land. He had many adventures 
Avhile hunting his cattle; he has sat up all night, listening to 
the musical concerts of the wolves; was once scared nearly to 
death by a panther — -which proved to be a screech-owl. He 
has been twice burned out, and now lives in a snug little house, 
where he can indulge his simple tastes; and, on the down hill 
^;ide of life, is happy and respected. He has scorned to be any- 
tliino- but Jerrv. Clo and see him, shake the hand of an hon- 
est man, and think Avhether the people did right when they 
gave the town his name. 

It was not until 181-S that other settlers moved into Camp- 
bell; then came four brothers — Amasa, Calvin, Charles and 
Marcus Nash ; Marvill Church, Wm. Mercer; Alexander II. 
Bushnell. Joseph S. Whitney, Thomas Q. Frost, Henry Briggs 
and Alvin Briggs. 

The town was set ofii" from Boston, and organized in 181:9; 
the first meetinir was at the house of Marvill Church. 



142 MKMOKIALS OF THE 

First to^Vll officers : Supervisor, AVm. Mercer; Clerk, A. 
H. Buslinell; Justices, Jeremiah Campbell, Alvin Briggs, 
Martin Campbell, Amasa Kasb. 

The number of voters was 1-1. nearly all of whom were 
placed in office, and some had a pluralit}'. 

In religion, it must be admitted, the inhabitants are not 
united; no less than five church organizations existing in that 
rural town, viz: Wesleyan Methodists, Episcopal Meth- 
odists, Dimkards, Christians and Presbyterians. The Dunk- 
ards are the only society that has a church building; a small 
one, near the south line of the town. 

"With little to speak of as matters of history, the town has 
much of which it may well pride itself — the results of quiet in- 
dustry. Later in settlement than any other town in the county, 
it presents to-day as few evidences of the poverty and necessi- 
ties of early times as the older settled towns. The first houses 
liave mostly disappeared, and the inhabitants of Campbelltown 
Uet that be the last time it is called Campbelltown — call it 
Campbell) do not feel that they are in a new country. 

SEBEWA. 

It is refreshing to come to a town the pioneers of which had 
the o-ood taste to give it a musical and poetic name, instead ol 
condemning it to be known by some uncouth sound, which 
happened to be the name of some mrt;?-— perhaps a great man, 
]ierhaps a small one^ambitious that his town shall from him 
V)e called '"' Smithville " or ^' Jonesburg." Again, who can ap- 
prove of that lack of self-respect that gives us many small 
places named after great ones? 

I reverently take off my hat to the pioneers of Sebewa. 
Thev could appreciate the music of the beautiful Indian word, 
bv which they designate a small stream; and, appreciating it, 
applied it to their embryo town, and also to their principal 
stream, though they improperly call it '• Sebewa Creek," when 
it should be "The Sehewa^ 

Sebewa was a part of Berlin from the time of its organi- 
zation until 1S-I5. Its first election was held at the house of 
Jacob Showerman, Mai-ch 19th. 



GRAND RIVER VALI.EV. 143 

Xo record of the organization of the town i.^ in existence, 
except a co]>y of the act of tlie Legislature authorizing the or- 
ganization of the town, directing that the first meeting sliall 
1)0 at the house of Jacol) Sliowerman (without date.) Under 
that is a list of accounts, audited in Octol^er. From that li>t 
and the memory of some of the old residents, we make out 
that 

Benjamin D. Weld was Supervisor; Anson AY. Halbert, 
Clerk; Edmund Sanhorn, Geo. ^Y. Dickinson, Justices. 

The first proper record is of the 2d year — 1840. 

It is a matter of tradition in the town that sixteen voters 
were at the first election. From the records of the 1st and 2d 
years we gather the names: 

Joseph Munn, Paul Steel, Benj. D. Weld, Edward Sanhorn, 
A. W. Halbert, John C. Smith, \Vm. Ilogle, John M. Tirrill, 
Jacob Showerman, Orrin Merchant, Bichard Fleetham, Moses 
Ilogle, Walter Harmon, Eleazer Brown, John Maxim, G. AV. 
Dickinson, Elkanali Drake, Bufiis Goddard, John Waddell. 

Some of these were transient, and have passed from mem- 
ory as well as from the town. 

The antiquity of Sebewa dates back to 1886, when -a man 
by the name of Jones settled on Sec. 1. But scanty particu- 
lars can be gleaned, as he stayed but a short time, when he sold 
out to Mr. Ilogle and disappeared. This m.uch is known: he 
and his wife came in on foot, bringing all their worldly goods 
in their packs. Perhaps they found it lonesome with nobody 
but wolves and bears for company, and, discouraged, sold out 
to the first landdooker who would give them the means to get 
away. We hope he is now a village squire somewhere else, 
louked up to and venerated; but among the numerous family 
of Jones, it is useless to inquire for the Jones, the pioneer of 
Sebewa. 

.lohn Tirrill, Chr.rles W. Ingalls, and John Brown (not t/o:. 
John Brown "whose soul is marching on, "j are accredited 
as being the first permanent settlers, moving in in 18.38. They 
were three Vermont Yankees. Some others had located their 
lands before, but did not immediately possess them. 

In the fall of '39 Jacob Showerman moved in with his 



144 MEMORIALS OF THE 

family. In '40 were added Stephen Pilkinton, Moses and 
William Hogle, and John Smith. In '41 John Yraddell and 
Benj. D. AYeld, and in 1844 Rufns Goddard. For some years 
the settlement was slow. Heavy timber may be the reason. 
Sebewa, when first settled was merely on the outskirts of civil- 
ization — about 17 miles oif — that distance from Portland. Yet, 
though not called on to do as the earlier settlers of Ionia 
county did, they still can tell their stories of the early times, 
M'hen going to mill was an event; the nearest was at Port- 
land, and they had no roads. To get their grinding done, 
the neighborhood would club together, and generally 
send David Goddard, then a youth of fifteen, with an 
ox team, and ten bushels (a full load). He would start early, 
with their benedictions, and at ten o'clock at night l)e at the 
mill. There his grist \vonld be ground in the night. Mean- 
while, he would turn out his team, eat his supper, wrap 
himself in his blanket, and sleep until morning; then, re-har- 
nessing Buck and Brindle, he would wend his weary way 
homeward. Some miles frc^m home he would be met by a 
neighbor, with a lantern; and, on his arrival, be greeted as a 
hero and a benefactor. The women, seeing there was a prospect 
(if biscuits, would greet him with a "■ God bless you, David! " 
The boys vrould pat and praise the oxen, who had so oxfully 
performed the pilgrimage, and so cheerfully drawn the load. 
All were liappy when David got back from mill. 

Thus began David's j)opularity in Sebewa — a popularity 
which the man retains. All swear by David now — think he is 
the best fellow living — " a good deal more honest than there is 
any use in being." They make him supervisor, postmaster, and 
a general factotum; never watching him, for they know it is ail 
riii^ht if David has the manasrino:. A good name is a good 
thing; but sometimes it is rather an expensive luxury. 

Little can be recorded of this excellent agricultural town. 
Its history is the development of fine farms. 

It has four church organizations. Presbyterian, Baptist, 
Deciples, and Wesleyan Methodist. 

The Presbyterian church was organized in 1835, by Rev. Lewis Mills. Its 
original members were : 



GKA^'D KIVEll VALLEY. 145 

D. W. Goddard, EoLort Allen and wife, Hannali Goddavd, Mnvy Coe, E. 
B. Buekman and wife, Bcnj. Bartlett and wife. 

Tiiey have a small church edifice, which was dedicated February, 186G. 

Present membership, about twenty. No settled pastor. 

Th3 Baptist church was organized April od, 18 j8. Original members: 

.Tosiao C. Clark and wife, Samuel Fr?ehouse, Carlos Pierce and wife, 
Stephen Rider and wife, Addison Rice and wife, John Jackson and wife, 
Cyril Carpenter and wdfe, Elkanah Carpenter and wife, Samuel Carpenter (a 
preacher), Mary Betts, Margaret R. Griffin. 

The first pas'or was Elder Samuel B. Towne. 

Church dedicated in 187"2. 

Present membership about S3venty-five. 

Of the other religions societies V\*e have no inforination. 

A willow tree of rem-irkable growth may be seen in front of 
^>[r. Goddard's honse. As a hoy, he stnck the stick in the 
ground. It is now more than ten feet in circumference. 

Sebewa is a great town for wlieat. 

ODESSA. 

This town was set off from Berlin in 1846. The first town- 
meeting of thirteen voters was held at the liouse of Myron. 
Tupper, in April of that year. Tliere were seventeen offices 
to fill, and thirteen men to fill them. The names that appear 
on the records, with the number of offices given to eacli. are- 
given below; 

Myron Tupper, 1; John D.White,!; Reuben Ilaiglit, 2; 
Ctco. E. Kibby, 2; Asa Houghton, 2; Esteven Russell, 2; 
Iliram S. Lee, 1; Benj. F. Tupper,l ; AYellington RnssGll, 1 : 
James A. GalloAvay, 2; Daniel Iletor, 1. 

Poor Joseph Hetor went home that nicjlit a private citizen. 

First town officers: Myron Tu]~)per, Supervisor; Esteven 
Russell, Clerk; John D. White, Treasurer; Iliram S. Lee, 
Reuben Ilaight, Benj. F. Tupper, George E. Kibby, Justices. 

Odessa was an unbroken wild until 1839, when Myron Tup- 
])er, accompanied by Harvey Kibby, came on, chopped five 
acres, and planted some corn and jiotatoes. In the fall, Tupper 
l)rought his family. Kext came AVellington Russell, the same 
year. Tupper, Kibby and Russell shantied together the first 
Avinter. Russell and Tupper still (1876) live on the land they 
first occupied. Kibby, disregarding the divine command, let 
10 



1-J:6 MEMORIALS OF THE 

his name run out when lie died — an awful warning to all old 
baclielors. It does seem strange, when a wife niaj^ be had for 
the asking, that so many will shiver alone, darn their own stock- 
ings; live with no little fond arms about their neck; die, and 

go to the grave, where tl>ey will be forgotten. Are you 

not ashamed of yourself, you undignified old bach., when you 
look at your neighbor, t\\Q family man? See him, with tAvo 
little ones on each knee; six more clinging on his chair, be- 
sides the one that is treading on the kitten's tail, and that one 
with his hand in the sugar-bowl! Perhaps it is all because 
■ Sally Ann Sago said she "would rather be excused." You 
nnrogenerate, white-livered, faint-hearted, soft-headed non 
comjws! Give up because one particular fish did not bite 
your hook! Live a despised, slovenly, nndignified old bach., 
just because one girl said no! A dozen others were peeping 
sly at you, longing for a chance to say " ycsf each one of 
them worth two of that red-headed vixen. Fie, fie! "Faint 
heart," et cetera. 

The history of Odessa moves slow, when the historian stops 
to moralize; but is it not the office of the historian to be the 
Mentor of his own and future ages? Again, the advantages 
of history lie not in the simple facts chronicled there, but in 
the lessons drawn therefrom. It is the historian's province to 
see what these lessons are, and by a wise and philosophical 
use of them, be the great teacher of the world. Xo more will 
T apologize for digressions. Henceforth I will feel the ti'ue 
dignity of my position. 

Coming back to the tame recording of events: next came 
Hiram Lee, who, at the present writing, lives in Keene; hav- 
ing achieved a fortune by hard labor and energy. Then, 
Benjamin Russell, whose life's labor, well done, was ended in 
1870. Eenjaniin R. Tupper came in 1840, and is still resi- 
dent. 

As those who came in 1842, or thereabouts, may be men- 
tioned, Esteven Russell, John D. Hite, Reuben Ilaight, Geo. 
E. Kelly, James N. Galloway, Asa Houghton, Daniel and 
Joseph Hetor. 

The town (one of the best") has but little history. There was 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 147 

the usual up-hill work, incident to hewing out homes in the 
lieavy forest; a moderate stock of adventures with the deni- 
zens of the woods. But it was only twelve miles from civil- 
ized settlements, mills, physicians, and the other requisites of 
civilization. Lonely they migkt be, but half a day would 
carry them where white folks lived, and where they could get 
their corn ground, buy tobacco, whisky or calico; they h.ad 
only to plod right on, cut down tree after tree, subdue fiekl' 
after field, and the Odessa of to-day was the result. While 
there has been little in particular to record, the aggregate of 
the whole is a firm, well-cultured town; built up and developed 
insensibly. We will still hope that no special historic event 
shall intrude itself into the regions of rural simplicity. Leave 
tlie big schemes and the great crimes to the cities. Go there 
yourself, when you must have a bust ; there do your drinking, and 
there commit all your irregularities. Come home to Odessa 
sober; there sow your wlieat; there train your children, and 
there sleep in honor wlien your life-vv'ork is done; and be sure 
tliat afit'ection uiay, with truth, inscribe on your humble monu- 
ment, something that may read like — 



Or 



A true-hearted father; a citizen good; 
His life labor done, is resting him here. 



She guided her children by wisdom and love; 
And has now set a light in the window above. 



But if you respect the good town of Odessa, don't oblige 
the people to strain conscience when they place such an epi- 
taph over you. 

The first child born in Odessa (and she, not liking the wild- 
woods, went to Woodland, Barry county, to be born) was 
Bosetta, daughter of Myron Tapper. She dipd in 1870, the 
wife of Esteven Russell. 

The first death was that of a daughter of Hiram Lee. An- 
other daughter of Lee was accidentally shot by her father. 

Religiously, Odessa has not made much of a show. The 
Free-Will Baptists first got a footing, and the first man who 
preached there was Riley Hess, one of those devoted pioneers 



l-iS ME^rORIALS OF Till!: 

Avlio sought the stray hiuibs in the wilderness. lie has closed 
his earthly labors; having served the lirst generation in the 
Yallej, by his holy example illustrating the religion he pro- 
fessed and inculcated, he rests now. Greater men have suc- 
ceeded; but who has left behind him more of the atmosphere 
of holiness than the humble Hess? 

For a series of years our friend, Myron Tupper, who seems 
to have been the factotum of the town, was their preacher. 
He cannot be accused of making merchandise of the gospel; 
for he preached for nothing and boarded himself for many long 
years. Tupper was a zealous evangelist; preaching in this and 
(ither towns; riding thirty or forty miles on a Sunday, and 
])reachiiig two or three times. Thiidc of that, ye kid-gloved, 
smooth-spoken, self-serving preachers, who temper the gospel 
to the tastes of a fashionable congregation, and preach ibr 
eclat and a big salary. Tupper never received §'">0 a year; 
worked on his farm for a living, and gave the Sabbath and his 
unwearied labors to his fellow men and to God. Tupper, I 
like you, and would be glad to hear you preach. But I sliglitly 
fear I should merit the sarcasm of the Methodist class-leader, 
Avho, in answer to the man who in class-meeting thanked God 
for a free religion, stating that for the ten years lie had been a 
Methodist it had cost him but 25 cents, devoutly raised his 
eyes, and said, " God have pity on your j^oor, stingy soul !'' 

The Free-will Baptists kept up an organization for some dozen years. Her,?, 
was their first preacher, and afterwards Tapper. It has languished and died 
out. 

The United Brethren liave lately secured a standing. The original Class 
was organized in 1866, and consisted of Daniel Mower and Wife, Nichokv. 
Arney: Isaac Ma-urey and Avife; C. E. Bretz; Thomas Cooley and wife, and 
P. A. Wa?ks. 

Their present (1876) membership is about forty-five. They depend on 
circuit preachers. 

In 1875, they built a house of worship, 45 by 50 feet— cost §3,000. Well 
done. Brethren! 

All the religion there has ever been in the town, has been of 
that humi)le, quiet sort, wliich consists in the worship of God, 
and in the practice of the Christian virtues. They have not 
l)rought in the i'ashionable sort, for the Frce-Will Baptist or tlie 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 149 

Brother does not take stock in aristocratic piety; and does not 
require a plush-covered cushion on which to kneel to say his 
prayers. No! no! no! Like their Master, tliey can sit with 
publicans and sinners, and kneel by the side of the humblest, 
in worship of the Eternal. Under the tree or in the school 
house, they can preach the simple religion of Jesus; and lov- 
ingly invite all who liave souls to join with them in spiritual 
communion. If you ]iave a better religion than that, please 
display it. Yoic did not f/et it from Jesus of Nazareth. 

An adventure of Mr. Crapo is an episode in the history of 
Odessa, and is of no small interest. In 1868, in company 
with Samuel F. Alderman, he was out in Montcalm county, 
land-looking, when he should liave been at home, leaving 
wild-wood ranging to the young. He had the misfortune to 
split his foot, so that it was impossible for him to proceed or 
return. They were forty miles from any settlement. The 
next day Alderman started to find a lumber camp, which he 
believed was sixteen miles south, and where he hoped to get 
help. He got lost on the way, and did not return for six days. 
He (Alderman) suffered everything but death; was badly 
frozen, starved and faint; yet his grit carried him through, 
and he found Comstock's lumber camp. From the camp 
eleven men came without delay to the rescue of Crapo. 

In the meantime Crapo, believing Alderman had perished, 
liimself prepared to die. His provisions were nearly exhaust- 
ed. What little he luid he husbanded to protract life, for liow- 
ever certain death is, we ask a day more. He cutliis name on 
his gun-stock, that, if found when dead, he might be identified; 
and languishing, waited his final hour. But the loud cheer 
of Comstock's men roused him from his dream of*death to 
the consciousness of life and safety. They were the finest 
looting lot of men he ever saw; eacli one a perfect Apollo. 

They carried him on a litter sixteen miles to their camp, 
where his wants were attended to; and he lives to tell the 
story. 

Two lessons may be learned from this adventure of Crapo: 

1st. Old men should stay at home, or keep in the settle- 
ments. 



150 MEMORIALS OF TUB 

2nd. If YOU must split jour foot, clo it about home, for 
forty miles in the wilderness such a thing endangers life. 

And 3d. There is a very strong popular prejudice against 
a " cloven foot." 

DANBY. 

The early history of this town is identified with that of the 
settlement, which* centered at Portland. Its own political his- 
tory commenced in 1845. Until that time it had been a part 
of Portland. 

The town held its first meeting at the house of Chancellor 
Barringer, April 7th, 1845; 26 voters present. No poll list is 
in existence, but the following names are found on the I'ecords 
of 1845: 

Abijah F. Schoff", Oscar P. Schoff, Elkanah Drake, John 
Campton, James Burns, Matthew Davenport, AYm. Cronkrite, 
Henry Jones, Lorenzo Sears, Charles G. Brooks, Alpha David, 
Nathan AVyman, Geo. S. David, John D. Brown, Geo. A. Kil- 
bourne, Asliur Kilbourne, Chester Davenport, Elias Bailey, 
Reuben Hopkins, Benj. Horner, Erastus Miner,Wm. H. Turner, 
Henry AUman, Geo. W. Peake, Sydney C. Perry, Lorin Barr. 

The list of names here given is not the poll list of the town, 
but the names of those who voted at the first meeting: 

Abijah Schoff, Supervisor; John Campton, Clerk; Matthew 
Davenj)()rt, Wm. Cronkrite, Henry Jones, Lorenzo Sears, Jus- 
tices; Charles G. Brooks, Treasurer. 

On the list of those who voted at the fall election, we ha\-e 
the additional names of Jonathan Bailey, Justus Bailey and 
Geo. Davenport. 

Of the early settlers it cannot now be ascertained who were 
the first, John Campton came in with his family in March, 
1837. He is certain that he found in the town: Ashnr Tvil- 
bourne, Abijah Schoff, Willard Brooks, Charles Brooks, Wm. 
Cronkrite, Isaiah Frost. Soon after came, that year, John D. 
ijrown, James D, ISTorris, James Bnrns, Patrick Murtaugh, 
Seth Hull, Benj. Horner, Chester Gleason, Chancellor Barrin- 
gei', Nathan AVyman, Elias ]>ailey, Isaac DeWitt. 

After 1837, settlers came in more rapidly. 



CKAIS^D EIYER VALLEY. 151 

The first school was kept by Hester Aim David, in what is 
now Dist. ]^o. 1; commencing Dec. 6th, 181:4. Her school 
was in a shanty. She is now Mrs. Sjules, of Portland. 

Religiouslj", th^ Methodists have always had full swmg in Danby; were 
the first to occupy the field, and in substance, have had it entirely to them- 
selves. Of them the first class wa? gatharad Juna l-tth, 1833, by Eld. Orrin 
Mitchell, who came bat on;e; and consisted of: John Campton, Aaron 
Campton, Jonathan Ingalls, Charles W. Ingalls and wife, Nancy Hull, AVm. 
< ronki-ite and wife. Soon joined: John F. Tin-ill, Martha A. Tirrill, John 
D. Brown, Charlotta Brown, Stephen Pilkinton, Abigail Tirrill. 

The iirst class-leader was J. Campton, who has always since filled that 
position. 

Th-5 church occupy School House No. 1. No other denomination has 
ever had an organization: though many in the town are connected with th^ 
churches in Portland. 

The first birth in Danbv, so far as known, was that of 
Charles Brooks, Angnst 2Stii 183S. 

The grim messenger — death — first gave his sunnuons to the 
wife of Al)ijah Schoff. She vras bnried on their own land, and 
her grave is snrronnded by a jjicket fence. 

The first white man bnried was Win. Cnmmings. To show 
the primitive style of doing thing-D among pioneers — he was 
drawn to his grave on an ox-sled, and to lower liim into it. 
use was made of tlie only halter in the settlement, and a log- 
chain. He sleeps there just as quietly, as he would if drawn 
in a plumed hearse, and lowered to his resting place by less 
simple means. In t'le back-woods a funeral is a solemn thing. 
We are lamiliar witli death in the city. Tlie faneral cortege 
]):iS3.'3 in pomp along the street. We inrpiire, "•' AVhose funeral 
is tliat? " look at the hearse, count the carringes, and let it pass. 
But it is not so in the woods. There a funeral is a s-ad reality. 
They can make no pageant display; but with the deepest 
s(5'lemuity, lovingly bear tlie dead to the humble grave. 
Tears fill all eyes as the hollow thud of the falling earth tells 
the sad tale, that a brother or sister is shut ont from their 
sight forever. Manly bosoms heave, and woman's eye is tcary, 
as they tiirn from the grave, and seek their homes. 

'■ Bury me where most the butteiflies are," 
Was the youth'ul naturalist's dying prayer; 



152 MEMORIALS OF THE 

" lay me where uiy fathers are laid," 

The dying- patriarch feebly said ; 

'Tis the last fond wish, fall oft expressed; 
" In my own dear land be my final rest," 

Where kindred friends and neighbors come, 

Aiid bedew with teai's the lowly tomb. 

In the dying breast the hope will rise, 

That loving hands will close the eyes; 

That loving hands may bear the bier; 

That loring eyes will shed a tear; 

That loving hearts will yet be found 

To conseci-ate the swelling mound; 

That loving- hands will plant the rose 

Upon the gi-ave where we repose. 

In living souls to have a share 

Is nature's last, its yearnmg prayer. 

india:ss. 

In Dauby at the time of its first occnpation by the whites, 
v/as a small settlement of Indians on section 23, on land now 
owned by C. Ingalls. Their number is supposed to have been 
about 150. The name they gave to their settlement is vari- 
ously remembered: "Chim-i-me-con," "• Mishshiminecon," and 
"Miehimmeny Cahniny." 

Tlie old lady, Mrs. Brooks, who lived eight years with the 
Indians as almost her only companions, and became as much 
master of the Indian language as of her native Irish, says the 
name was " Chiminicon." Their chiefs were Da-mek, and his 
half brother, Mau-uk-wood. 

Prominent among the others were Onewanda, Xacquit. 
Kegumwatin, Sisshebee, Nikkenashwa, Whiskemuk, Pasliik, 
Squagun, and his sons, Thargee and Chedskunk. 

Damek was a frightful looking Indian, and not a very gootl 
man. !Nacquit was a good Indian, x^egumwatin and Nick- 
kenashwa were bad fellows. On the whole, the ckan, as found, 
were rather a set of low-lived Indians. 

About 1850 a missionary came to preach to them, by name 
Manasseh Ilickey, a Methodist. The Indians were having a 
drunk v/hen he came, and were disposed to do violence to him. 
Through the l)enevoleuce of a lady in ISTew York, a mission 
house was built, and by the aid of the people and Missionary 
S.)ciety, implements of husbandry were furnished them, an 1 
a school e3tal)lished. 



GKAXD RIVER VALLEY. 153 

When there had been preaching, the chief men would hold 
a council on what they had heard, and if they approved, the 
speaker was invited to give them another talk. 

The preaching was tlirough an interpreter. The mission- 
school was taught by Mr. Campton. An educated Indian 
woman had taught before. Louisa Bogue afterwards tauglit 
thei-e. In time Campton became their spiritual leader. 
Soon the Indians very readily received the instruction of those 
who labored for them; and, under their leadership formed a 
church. Tlie cJiange in their character was great; they took 
to the practices of civilization; divided their reservation into 
small allotments; built log houses; cultivated the ground, and 
tried to live like white folks. The women got the idea of neat- 
ness; learned to sew, wash, and keep house. They became 
constant at church, and adopted the dress of the whites. The 
men became more gallant to the women. They generally 
adopted the religion that was preached to them; entering 
readily into the spirit of the church, singing, praying, etc — in 
fact, became a band of civilized Methodist Indians. They went 
oft' to the reservations in Isabel county. Their former teacher 
and preacher, Campton, is still in Danby, and is happy in the 
thought that his labors resulted in raising a band of brutified 
savages to the rank of men. Believing that is the case, we 
make our respectful bow to Campton, as to one who has done 
mme good in the world; who has lived not altogether for self, 
but who sought to serve humanity and his God. 

Kind reader, pause a moment. Is the v/orld any better for 
youT having lived in it? 

In Danby, on the left bank of the river, is a mineral spring, 
which needs only a little enterprise and the effrontery to tell 
of marvelous cures of epilepsy, palsy, gout, rheumatism, scrof- 
ula, etc., and the brazen assurance of a resident quack to make 
it a famous watering place. It is on the place of Mr. Mills; 
and the tutaceous deposit from it, which is immense, has been 
burned for lime. It is a very strong chalybeate water, depos- 
iting ochre in great quantities. This ochre is a good paint. 
AVere not so many worthless mineral springs cracked up until 
people begin to see tlirough the liumbug, this might be brought 



154 , MEilOEIALS OF THE 

into notice, which is doubtless equal to any chalybeate sprinp; 
in the world. But '• Vive la humbug!'''' Springs that are as 
good as sea- water, are resorted to as to a Bethesda; the water 
bottled and shipped off, as a life-restoring panacea; while 
[Janby waters, which have health and curative powers in theui, 
are a mud bank by the side of the river. 

Were not Danby a pleasant town, the Grand River is very 
foolish to linger so long in it, meandering, as it does, through 
eighteen sections of its land before it reluctantly leaves, turn- 
ing again and again; fondly lingering — loth to bid farewell.* 
Xo wonder, for 'tis a peaceful town, where are not a dozen 
sects, pulling each others' hair, but each holier than the rest 
(in their own esteem). Xo, that is not Danby. TAcy worship 
(lod in a scliool-house, and have not yet come to tha* point 
of civilization where the church is the center of fasliion, and a 
place Avhere, the poor canpot decently appear. Money! money I 
money! thou Mauimon of all ungodliness, why has ihou des- 
ecrated the church? Wliy hast thou not left one place where 
rich and poor may stand, each on his individual merit, as a 
Christian and a man! 

It is related of a German king, that, being sick, he set a 
page to read his prayers. The young man, as he was praying 
in the name of his king, left out some of the most deeply pen- 
itential and humiliating passages. The king interrupted, and 
asked what that meant. The youth said, "I feared your nifij- 
esty would not like it." "Xone of 'your majesty'-ing liere,'' 
said the king, "remember we are in tlie presence of our God,, 
where I am a good-for-nothing, sinful rascal, as well as you. 
Go on, and give nie the worst of it; I deserve it." But I am 
afi-aid that when I go to church to show my new coat, I don't 
look on the humble one whose coat is seedy, as my ecpial in 
the presence of the Lord. Perhaps lie has a different opinion 
about it. 

lONIxl COUNTY HISTORY EESU3IED. 

The territory, un.til settled, was for judicial purposes, at- 
tached to Kalamazoo county. In 1835 the county first had 
political existence, as a town of Kalamazoo county. AVhen 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 155 

Kent county was organized in 1836, Ionia was attached as a 
town to Kent, and as such remained one year. 

As a town of Kalamazoo county, the first meeting was at 
Generau's, Ajjril 6th, 1835, on the right bank of Grand River. 
one hundred rods or so from the mouth of Maple River. 
Pliilo Bogue, Chairman; Dr. Lincoln, Clerk. 

Officers elected: E. Yeomans, Sujjervisor; Dr. Lincoln. 
Clerk; Asa Spencer, Collector. 

A full hoard of officers was not elected. The supervisor 
acted as assessor. 

Second meeting at same place. 

Ionia county was established by act of Legislature in 1837. 
At the same time the county was divided into two towns — Ionia 
and Maple. The first township meeting in Ionia to be held at 
the house of Samuel Dexter; the fii'st meeting in Maple at the 
house of William Hunt. (Lyons). 

Maple consisted of all the county east of a line dividing the 
second tier of townships in the middle. The rest of the coun- 
ty was Ionia — or two and a half tiers of townships on the 
west. 

In process of time, towns were formed by cutting oS from 
these. For particulars, see the lijstory of the several towns, 
and the summary of Legislative action. 

There is no imj^ortant purpose served by tracing all those 
temporary arrangements, and the subsequent mutations, by 
which rivers have been made to be township boundaries. 

Xt first the county started her political existence with two 
towns — Ionia and Maple. The records of the county are 
|>artly not in existence, and those of Maple cannot be found. 
The records of tlie doings of the supervisors are missing. 
Wliat is gathered is trom the book of the county canvassers, 
tind the records of tiie courts. 

The first meeting of the county canvassers was at the house 
of Asa Spencer, and the result of the county canvass was: 

For Associate Judges : Isaac Thompson, 292; Truman H. Lyon, 187; Wil- 
liam Babeoek, 104. 

Judge of Probate: Cyras Lowell 116; Wm. D. Moore, 173. 
Sheriff: E. W. Curtis, 191; H. V. Lebhart, 93. 



156 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Clerk: Asa Brunnell, 183; Erastus Yeomans, 116. 

Coroners: Philo Bogus, 187; Thacldeus 0. Warner, 293. 

Treasurer: Robert S. Parks, 106; John E. Morrison, 185. 

District Surveyor: Buel H. Mann, 220. 

Registar of Deeds: Mason Hearsey. 102; AdamL. Roof, 189. 

In November A. F. Bell was made County Surveyor. 

The above shows on the highest vote 293, which is assumed to be nearly 
the number of settlers entitled to vote. These were scattered in Ionia, Ber- 
lin, Danby, Easton, Lyons, North Plains, Orange, Otisco, Portland and Ro- 
nald, and there was one settler in Campbell. 

In 1838 there were five towns, whose votes were canvassed, viz: Portland^ 
Maple, Ionia, Boston and Otisco. 

The officers chosen were : John Plaice, Sheriff; Lawson S. Warner, Clerk ; 
Thomas Caswell, Treasurer; William Dallass, Register. 

In 1840 six towns — Cass having been added — elected: Samuel Dexter, As- 
sociate Judge; Henry Buston, Judge of Probate; Alonzo Sessions, Sheriff; 
Abram S. Wadsworth, Commissioner; Osmond Tower, Clerk; John 0-. Dix- 
ter. Register; Asaph Walker, Treasurer. 

In 18-1:2, Keene appears in the towns represented. 

Wm. Crumer, Sheriff ; David Irish, Clerk: Asaph Mather, Treasurer; Wm. 
Dallass, Register. 

1843. Fred. Hall, Register of Deeds, and Cyprian Hooker, Sheriff. 

1844. North Plains added. 

Hiram Brown, Sheriff; Hampton Rich, Clerk; Isaac G. Frost, Treasurer; 
Fred. Hall, Register of Deeds; W. Z. Blanchard, Judge of Probate; Erastus 
Yeomans, Almeron Newman, Associate Judges. 

1846. Added: Danby, Sebewa, Ronald, Orange, Odessa, Orleans. 

Officers: A. F. Bell, Representative; Luke Harwood, County Judge; Vol- 
ney Eaton, Sheriff; Hampton Rich, Cierk; I. G. Frost, Treasurer; A. F. Carr, 
Register of Deeds. 

1843. Cyrus Lowell, Representative; Pet3r Co^n, Sheriff; Abram V. Ber- 
ry, Clerk; John C. Dexter, Treasurer; Ethan S. Johnson, Register of Deeds; 
John L. Morse, Judge of Probate; Lambert B, Barnard, Erastus Yeomans, 
Associate Judges. 

1850. Sixteen towns — Campbell having been added. 

J. C. Blanchard, Prosecuting Attorney; C. M. Moseman, Treasurer; E. S. 
Johnson, Register of Deeds; A. C. Davis, Clerk; Hiram Brown, County 
Judge; Gilbert H. King, Judge of Probate (to fill vacancy); Asaph C. Smith, 
Sheriff; Erastus Yeomans, Joseph Boynton, Associate Judges of Circuit 
Court. 

1852. Charles W. Ingalls, Representative; Charles M. Moseman, Treas- 
urer; Alvin C. Davis, Clerk; Adam L. Roof, Judge of Probate; Thomas 
Cornell, Register of Deeds; Ami Chipman, Sheriff; John C. Blanchard, 
Prosecuting Attorney. 

1854. C. Lovell, Representative: C. A. Holmes, Sheriff; W. B. Wells, 
Clerk; A. Williams, Treasurer; H. Hunt, Register of Deeds; Harvey Bartow, 
Prosecuting Attorney. 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 157 

1856. A. Sessions, Representative; C. A. Holmes, Sbeiiff; W. B. Wells, 
Prosecuting Attorney; J. L. Morse, Judge of Probate; A. Williams, Treas- 
urer; A. Cornell, Clerk; Oscar Thompson, Register of Deeds. 

1858. Abram Alderman, Sheritf; W. B. Wells, Prosecuting Attorney; E. 
S. Johnson, Treasurer; Clark 0. Preston, Clerk: Julius Jennings, Register 
of Deeds. 

1860. A. Aldei-man, Sheriff; John L. Morse, Judge of Probate; C. 0. 
Preston, Clerk; Julius Jenner, Register of Deeds; Albert Williams, Prosecu- 
ting Attorney. 

1862. John S. Bennett, Clerk; Joseph Rickey, Register of Deeds; Geo. 
Ellsworth, Treasurer; Wm. W. Mitchell, Prosecuting Attorney. 

1864. Willard Wells, Judge of Probate; J. S. Bennett, Clerk; J. Rickey, 
Register of Deeds; C. A. Preston, Treasurer; W. W. Mitchell, Prosecuting 
Attorney. 

1867. Sandford Yeomans, County Superintendent of Public Schools. 

1868. A. Alderman, Sheriff; W. B. Wells, Judge of Probate; Edgar M. 
M;u-ble, Clerk; Silas Sprague, Treasurer; Vernon H. Smith, Register of 
Deeds; B. Morse, Prosecuting Attorney. 

1870. Edson P. Gifford, Sheriff; Henry C. Sessions, Clerk; John Morton, 
Treasurer; Alfred H. Heath, Register of Deeds; E. W. Marble, Prosecuting 
Attorney. 

1871. Charles A. Hutchins, Superintendent Common Schools; Eb. D. 
Kelsey, Drain Commissioner. 

1872. E. P. Gifford, Sheriff; Wm. B. Woodworth, Judge of Probate; 
H. C. Sessions, Clerk; John Morton, Treasurer; A. H. Heath, Register of 
Deeds; E. M. Marble, Prosecuting Attorney. 

1873. Wilbur H. Moon, Superintendent Public Schools. 

The first term of the Circuit Court was held in a building 
occupied by Daniel Ball, as a store (now the Granger House), 
in May, 1837, Epaphroditus (we give the whole) Ransom pre- 
siding. The only business transacted was to admit to practice 
Adam L. Roof. The second term was in November, 1837, 
same Judge, Isaac Thompson associate; grand jury empan- 
neled, Samuel Dexter, foreman. Cyrus Lovell was appointed 
Prosecuting Attorney; Charles Smith was admitted to the bar. 
The grand jury returned several bills of indictment (not speci- 
fied). It seems tliat at that early day there was wickedness, 
<»r, at least, suspicion of it. The court adjourned, doing no 
business farther, except dismissing a petition to establish a 
ferry at Generauville. May terra, 1838: same Judges; C. 
Lovell appointed Prosecuting Attorney. First cause, John 
Lloj^d ^'. Allen Hutchins; default entered against judgment. 
Several causes were tried, mostly complaints for selling li(pior 



158 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

to tlie Indians. One case of divorce was preliminarily acted 
upon. Here we have the proof that the ancients, like the 
moderns, sometimes found Ilj-men's yoke not easy, and his 
burdens not light. We intentionally refrain from giving the 
names of the yQked cat and dog, who first in Ionia county ai>- 
plied to the courts, and there ventilated their disgrace and 
shame. 

" State of Michigan t\ Wm. A, Burgess; assault and bat- 
tery." Prisoner pleaded not guilty; whereupon the prosecut- 
ing attorney entered a nolle pros, to the indictment, etc., etc. 

Mr. Burgess, it is clear yon didn't strike him; but he de- 
Nserved all you gave him. You didn't hit him any too hard, 
the blackguard! Hope the next time he behaved so, you gave 
him another thrashing. 

The first criminal case was that of Louis Generau, who was 
convicted of murder in the Kent County Circuit Court, and 
sent to prison. The second was The People v. Thomas Piley, 
for forgery. Yerdict, not guilty. 



GEAND EIVEE TALLET. 159 



KENT COUNTY. 

ALGOMA. 

Algoma had existed as a part of God's earth ever since the 
waters were drained from North America. It had also existed 
as a part of Plainfield since the organization of that town. 
As such it remained until 1849, when, by act of Legislature, 
it was estal)lislied as an independent town, taking its name 
from a steamboat, then plying on Grand River. Not that they 
named the infant town, as many jDCople name their infant 
progeny, in compliment. They chose the name because they 
liked the sound. In this they showed they had at least one 
person of good sense, and poetic taste in the territory to be 
named. Because it had that one person, it will ever glory in 
the most musical and poetic name of any town in the Grand 
River Valley. By the way, that humble servant of the public 
— the writer of these memorials — is not ]3leased with the names 
through which the earlier inhabitants decreed that for all time 
the people should live in a region and atmosphere of the 
blankest prose. In the first place, there is a disposition to 
laugh when one sees a hen-coop protected by cannon. Is there 
less of the burlesque, when the name " Grand" is applied to 
a fifth-class river, to a snug little city and a countrj^ village? 
Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Graudville will never be the 
theme of song, condemned, as they are, to bear their burlesque 
and unmusical names. Look at the prosaic names given to 
towns; most of them the name of some man, country, or big 
city. 

Why cannot people feel a pride in originality? And why 
were not ears tuned to appreciate musical sounds? A child is 
born to one, who is conscious of no genius, and he names him 
John or Patrick; for that is the most common name; and he 
wishes to be like other folks. Or, conscious of the humble 



160 MEMORIALS OF THE 

origin of liis cliild, he seeks to ennoble liim hy giving him a 
name, that somebody has made fanions, unconscious of the 
burlesque. Your humble writer would not do so. No, no! 
When children are born to him, the alphabet shall be ques- 
tioned as to its capability for forming musical and poetic 
M'ords. If applied to to name a town, he would not suggest 
his own, or any other unnoted name, with the vain idea that 
the town would dignify the man. Let names die when the 
sexton has covered the man, if the man has done notliing for 
which he should be remembered. Don't condemn a town to 
be a tombstone, to perpetuate some name that should be for- 
gotten; or to play second-fiddle. Goldsmith has sung of sweet 
"• Auburn," but where is the poet that will ever sing of "New 
London." To her musical name the vale of Wyoming has be- 
come classic, grand; but what poet will, or can, give charms to 
New York, New Jersey, or New Hampshire? So beware, yo 
imitators; beware, ye toadies! 

But returning from this digression, yet without an apology, 
for it is the business of the historian to commingle lessons of 
wisdom with the details of history, which give him the text. 
The first town meeting was held at school-house No. 3 (Plain- 
held numbering), April 2d, 1S49; Smith Laph am. Moderator. 
Others elected: Smith Lapliam, Supervisor; Wm. Thorn- 
tf»n. Clerk; A. L. Pickett, Treasurer; Morgan Allen, John H. 
Jacobs, John Llamilton, Justices. 
Number of voters, 30. 

The following statement of the settlement and progress of 
Algoma is mostly from an article published by H. N. Stinson, 
Esq. Let it be understood that while he is to be credited with 
all that is of any value in it historically, he is not responsible 
any further. If, in every town, some one, himself an actor, had 
done as Mr. Stinson has done, this book would have been much 
more valual)le. 

The first settler — Wm. Hunter, came from the State of New 
York, in 1S42 ; and built a log-house' He stayed a year or two, 
and went away. In 1843, Smith Lapham, from Washtenaw 
county, bought out Hunter, and settled where now is the vil- 
hiije of Rockford. He erected a mill on the left bank of Rogue 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 161 

River; and with a fewfi^oods, opened a modest store. He was 
soon followed by the Hunter brothers, who built a saw-mill 
on the right bank, using the same dam as Laphain. They had 
a sale for their lumber to the new settlers, Vvdio were rapidly 
coming in. 

In the year '11, Wm. Tliornton, a Yermonter, came in, and 
erected a machine shop. 

In 1S15, arrived A. L. Pickett, also from ^"ermont; Joshua 
Briggs, from Yates county, IST. Y. ; John Davis, Benjamin 
Pettingell, and B. IN". Pettingell, his son; all three from Ing- 
ham county; Henry Ilersel and Henry Shank, from Ohio; who 
located in different parts of the town. 

By common consent, the part of the town, centering at the 
mills, was called Laphamville. In 1815, the people bnilt a 
shanty and opened a school, with Miss Amy Ann Lapham as 
teacher. 

The same year a post-office was established, wdth S. Lapham 
as jDOstmaster; and the same 3'ear, the Rev. James Ballard 
held meetings in private houses. This is by no means the iirst 
or the only town, where that now venerable man was the first 
to herald the gospel. ISTow he rests from his labors. Age is 
creeping on; and feeble health has warned him that liis days 
of labor are ended. In years gone by, he was one of those 
who preaclied the gospel, but never livsd upon it. It is little 
of this world's wealth, that he has ever received for his preach- 
ing. He worli'ed on his farm for a living; and preached 
l)ecause he believed; loved the service of the Master, and 
hn-ed the souls of men. Eccentric, perliaps (ho always liad 
the name of it), he cared little for this world's opinion. He 
never asked how much would be p)aid; but whether it was 
God's will, and his duty. He has outlived the time, ^v'llen to 
be an "Abolitionist" was to be considered "eccentric;" and 
when clergymen, afraid of losing their salaries, dared n^ot feel, 
or pray for those in bonds. Where he preached in log-houses 
and sustained himself, others, well sustained, are preaching in 
dedicated temples; and he, biding his time, can say: "I^ow' 
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." Ballard, perliaps no 
lofty monument may mark thy resting place; but your name 

11 



162 MEMORIALS OF THE 

is engraved in many a lieart; and your history is a])art of tlie- 
history of civilization and Christianity in the Yalley of the 
Grand Eiver. 

After 1845, the settlement of the town was raj^id, and there 
is no necessity of heing particular. 

The first marriage in the town was June 22d, 1845, when Isaac 
Eaker and Harriet Lapham joined fortunes, not contem])lating 
divorce. The union was legalized by David C. Gilbert, Es(i. 
The first birtli was their daughter Eva, in March, 1846. 

The first death was that of Barney Lapham. a native of Xew 
York, in 1845. 

In 1851, Harvey Porter opened the first public house — the 
"■ Algoma House." It was burned in 1864, and the " Stinson 
House" erected on its site. 

In 1852, Chase and Judson put up the first grist-mill, whieli, 
eidarged and improved, is still standing. 

In 1850, the village M^as platted, and named " Laphamville." 
The same year the Baptist church was erected — the first in the 
])lace — and an addition was made to the school-house. 

About this time the "Laphamville Courier'''' was started by 
Frank Drew. It was a failure. Wm. Hicks attempted to 
continue the paper, but could not. 

In 1850, Ensly Martin built a foundry, Avhich, vastly im- 
proved, is in existence. 

In 1865, the Methodist Episcopal Church was built. 

In May, 1866, the village was re-platted by Mr. Caukin; 
incorporated by the snpervisors, and named (the Lord knows 
why) "Bock ford." At this time the number of inhabitants 
was 315. 

The first village ofiicers were: 

Smith Lapham, President; George French, Clerk; Cyrus 
Kent, Kol)ert House, M. T. Arbor, J. B. Hewitt, T. N. Bark- 
er, B. L. Blakcley, Trustees; Richard Briggs, Marshal. 

Number of votes, (So. 

In 1868, trains first passed Bockford. In 1870, the present 
school-house was built, costing $20,000. This school-house is 
iliG prominent object; and it tells a l)ig story for the ])lace. 
Schools are eivili/ers. Ab(.)ut some other institutions there is 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 103 

diversity of opinion. Bnt tliat the ]3lace where they liave a 
line school-house, a first-class principal, and a corps of well- 
selected teachers— and where the peoj)le are willing to sustain 
them — is a civilised place. People of sense choose to live 
there. But oh, deliver us from beino; oblio;ed to live where tlu' 
school-house is a mere shed, and where they get the "cheapest "' 
]ierson they can to run the school. In such places M'c are a]>t 
to find the grog-shop the chief educator; and there we find more 
politicians than men of l)raiiis. 

In 1871 a new charter was obtained; the number of votes 
at the first election under it, was 14D, indicating quite a 
growth under the village organization. 

Going back a little; the growth of the town was slow at 
first; previous to '-1:4, the only communication with the world 
outside was by Indian trails. In 18-1:4, the Rev. Isaac Bar- 
ker came from Xew Hampshire, and located in Courtland; cut 
the first road from the village to Courtland. 

In the spring of '48, tlie first school district was organized, 
and called No. 3 of Plainfield; they voted to raise $200 to 
build a house; there were then 28 scholars in the district. 

In the fall of '48, a meeting of the citizens was held, 
preliminary to having the town set off from Plainfield. The 
meeting was at the house of Lapham. 

In the fall of 1849, John and Mike Furlong opened the 
first store, exchanging goods for lumber and shingles, the cur- 
rency of the I'egion. 

In 1850, John Cox commenced blacksmithing. He became 
])opular and ambitious, and wanted to be Governor; but dis- 
appointed in his ambition, he shook the dust of Laphamville 
from his feet, and went wliere he hoped merit would be a]>- 
preciated. 

The pine land attracted speculators, who bought up large 
tracts, and either held on for prices, or stripped the land of its 
pine. We need not name those who, without becoming citi- 
zens, owned large tracts of land. They don't develop a town, 
and the town has no interest in them. They make or lose 
some money out of the places, and disappear. 

Februarv 2Sth, 18(31, was a dark dav for Ala-oma. Daniel 



164 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Barber, an honored citizen, started to go to Grand Rapids to 
pay over to the Connty Treasurer tlie tax of the town, amount- 
ing to something over $600. On the way he w^as murdered 
and rohbed by William Ivingin. Ivingin was arrested the 
same day, and is now serving his life-sentence in 'the State 
prison. The whole affair is among the inexplicables. Kingin 
was not, in common estimation, a bad man. He was going 
along with Barber, carrying an ax on his shoulder. Falling 
behind, a thought struck Jdm, and he acted on that thought. 
With a blow of the ax he split the skull of Barber. lie 
liurled the ax into the snow, then rifled the pockets of his 
victim; went on a little way, and threw the pocketbook into 
a stream. Eemorse took the place of the flrst frenzy of greed. 
In the prison he is among the most exemplary of the prison- 
ers; penitent and self-accusing — seemingly trying, as far as in 
him lies, to atone for his one great crime. He is spoken of 
by the warden as a model prisoner; a moment a fiend, repesnt- 
ent for life. Since writing the above Kingin has died. 

An incident of early times is well told in a Kockford paper, 
by Grilbert Lapham, Esq., a lawyer at Lansing. We will let 
him tell his own story: 

'"I was one of the oldest inhabitants, and have many lively 
recollections of old times, in the pleasant village of Kockford. 
That is, I was there when the village sprouted; and believe I 
only lacked one thing of being the youngest sprout in the place. 
I think that I and a little red dog, with crooked legs and an 
oval tail, whose name was ' Don,' killed the first woodchuck, 
that migrated to the place; and I believe that we, that is, Don 
and I, know more of the chipmunks, red squirrels, rabbits, 
])artridge3 and snakes in the' vicinity, than any other man, 
woman or dog. 

I remember that Don and I once set a trap for a woodchuck 
at a hole in the hill-side. It was a nice fresh hole, and he and 
I were much pleased and excited at the prospect. The next 
morning's sun-rise found us at the place, and, sure enough, 
Ave had him; for nothing was to be seen but the chain of the 
trap, drawn as far into the hole as the clog would allow. We 
seized the chain, and, with a long strong pull, out came the 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 165 

animal, and Don and I pitched into liim without ceremony. 
But how the wooclcliuck went back on us! In fact it was not 
a woodchuck, but a ' Mephitis Americana,' or, in phiin Eng- 
lish, a shtinJcj not one of" tlie imported kind, but truly Ameri- 
can. And what a smell was there, my countrymen! Wo 
fought it out, but when Ave got through, the best man living 
could not have told which was the skunk. I believe I made 
an effort to back down into the hole, firmly convinced that I 
had been transformed in the fight; that I was a skunk, and had 
been attacked by the dog." 

SCHOOLS. 
Rockford had simple plain buildings for her school or schools 
Tintil 1870, when the present house was erected, as heretofore 
stated. The first principal Mas Prof. McEwan, a man of line 
culture, assisted by three ladies — two Misses De Pew and Miss 
Martin, McEwan stayed but 1^ years. Ho was followed by 
Prof. O. O. Eletcher, the present principal. Expense annually, 
$5,-775. 

ALPINE. 

There are some doubts as to who first penetrated into the 
wilds of Alpine, and is deserving of the honor of being handed 
down to future generations as "the first settler." I'liis much 
is rescued from the dim traditions of antiquity: 

In the fall of 1837, Solomon AVright, a man educated at 
AVilliams College, Mass., came witli his family from the State 
of New York, and pre-eiripted eiglity acres of land in the 
southwest part of Alpine. His eldest son, Benjamin, also 
pre-empted land. The old gentleman, not rich, liad five boys. 
and, as they have given name to a town near by, and have not 
been ciphers in the world, we Avill here give their names: 
Benjamin, Solomon, Koadiah (better known as " Dutch ">. 
Andrew and Jeremiah S. 

The Wrights found no settlers in the west part of the town, 
or in the north part of Walker. There were in the town three 
FrenchmeTi named Peter Labelle, Joseph Genie, and another, 
name forgotten. These Frenchmen put up a mill on govern- 



166 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

ment land ; stayed two or tliree years, and went away. Further 
it is not known that there were any residents in town \vhen 
the Wright family came in the fall of 1837. 

Two brothers, James and Francis Blood, arrived the same 
fall, and located themselves near Wright. 

Of these pioneers of Alpine, Solomon Wright, 2d, is the 
only one remaining in the town. In his goodly mansion on 
the south line of the town ; he has long enjoyed the respect of 
the community, where he lias had a leading influence. x\dverse 
fortune has come upon him, but if the good wishes of the peo- 
ple could carry him through, his house will again be one 
where genial hospitality and good companionship will win and 
perpetuate good Avill. 

The old gentleman — Solomon, Sr. — was never an active 
man in the region. He was a scholar rather than a business 
man. He died at a good old age, August, 1853. 

Noadiah C. (Dutch.) Why everybody knows Dutch Wright. 
We say " Dutch," for ho has so long borne that name, that 
should you say " Noadiah " he would not mistrust he was 
meant. He signs his name " ]^. C. Wright," but it is question- 
able whether he would not have to refresh his memory by look- 
ing at the fiimily Bible, before confidentially telling what "X. 
C" stands for. He lives in a big house, paid for with money 
whicli came of his understanding " horse." That beast he 
does understand; and he conceives a most protbund respect 
for a man who can cheat him in a horse trade. As an example : 
A man in Grand Kapids was in possession of an otherwise 
good-looking horse, that was hlind. One day a bright thought 
came into his head — he would go and put a drive on Dutch 
Wright. So, fortifying himself, he harnessed his nag into his 
wagon, and leisurely drove along to the " Wright settlement." 
At the same time Dutch had a very good-looking horse, that 
he was anxious to get rid of, for reasons not now known. As 
the city fellow was leisurely and meditatively driving by 
Wright's farm, Wright was plowing by the side of the road, 
with his worthless beauty and a plain, valuable beast for a team. 
Being slightly acquainted, both stopped, discussed the weather, 
the last political news, etc. In the meantime, Wright con- 



GEAND KIVER VALLEY. 1(37 

ceived and suggested a horse-trade, to ^Y]licll tlie city clia}) 
seemed entirely indiiferent. Wright iinally offered him either 
one of his team; not doubting which he woukl take. The 
offer was accepted, and the exchxngs made, to the infiuits 
chagrin of Wright, wlien he saw him take the phiin liorse. 
Mentally, he soliloquized: ''That man is not so green as I sup- 
posed; he understands " horse." The city man departed, and 
the farmer soon found that his new acquisition '' though having 
eves, saw not." Did he get mad? ISTot he. lie threw up hi:; 
hat, and shouted himself hoarse; tlien sat down on a stone, 
and laughed until tears came into his eyes. Calming himself 
by degrees, in measured tones he said: " I have found the 
genius at last: I have found my master; I have found the man 
who can cheat Dutch AVright in a horse-trade. By the ''IToke- 
tenoke and the living Jingoes I I'm his friend forever!!" He 
sought out the genius, and they consecrated the beginning of 
the warmest friendship by copious libations at AVriglit's ex- 
pense. Speak evil of that man, or intimate that he is not a 
genius — the king of " hoi'ss men," and look out for the 
'^ Dutch" of Wright. 

James Blood died in Walker, and his brother Francis sold 
out after a time and moved away. 

We learn of no accessions until 1810. This year brought 
John Coffee from Ohio, with Richard Coding, Jacob Snyder, 
a German; John Plattee, Turner Hills, and Noel Hopkins. 

Turner Hiils was a Yermonter. He came with his wife and 
family to Grand Rapids in 1838. In 1840, he took up forty 
acres of land, near where now is the hotel in Alpine. That 
he had slender means is indicated by his taking up so little 
land. He cut his own road more than two miles. At tiiat 
time there was no settler in the east part of the town. He 
died in 1812, after haviuo; fairlv made a bec-inninof, leavins^ 
four sons and a daughter; and one wdio remained his widow 
— "• Mother Hills" — until her death, in 1873. A word for this 
noble woman. Slie united native good sense with great infor- 
mation — was one of the "oracles "of the town; her opinion 
valued, and her character spoken of as combining in its 
e'.ements all that is noble and wonianlv. She was the conn- 



168 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

selor of the old and young; and slie died at a good old age, 
with the blessings of the community, and the veneration of 
the family she had reared. As a matter of course, her fami- 
ly teas not a failure. The time has not come to speak freely 
of them; as tJiej' are living, and not silver-grey "with age. 
Let them wurk awhile longer, and fulfill the destiny marked 
out for them by a wise mother. 

The individual who pens these lines, always makes his most 
reverent bow to a loUe mother. God ])lcss a mother, anyway. 
But when she is good and wise, she needs no praying for; she 
is a fountain of blessings herself; and happy are the children 
who call her '• mother." 

The Catholic church first " sainted " and afterwaixls deified 
the abstract idea of a good mother, undei- the name of " Mary;" 
and it Avas the best thing that church ever did — it sanctified 
the lioliest idea; and taught people to love, to reverence, and 
to worship purity, goodness and motherhood as" divine; and 
when combined, to deify that idea. 

The writer is no Catholic. But, " heretic" and "sinner" as 
he is, he does feel that, in advancing the purified idea of 
" Mary" to the rank of an object of worship, the Catholics have 
given to religion a purifying influence; they have sanctihed 
virtue, and thrown a charm around it; a charm which will aid 
in purifying the hearts of the votaries of the church. Not be- 
lieving the dogma, still we say, "-Blessed is its s])irit; and with 
the Catholic idea, blessed is Mary." 

We were never made for the pulpit, and therefore think 
there was wisdoTu in our not taking to it as a pi'ofession. W(^ 
cannot stick to a text, but are continually flying off" in a tan- 
irent. An idea strikes us, and ofl' we go, until we find our- 
selves we scarce know where. But we'll come back to Alpine. 

The few succeeding years are mingled in the minds of the 
"old settlers," and they will be here jumbled togethei-. 

Thompson Casson is to be noticed, who came in '42, and 
died in '48. lie was a good-hearted, public-spirited, intelli- 
gent and moral Scotchman; a natural leader; a good specimeri 
of a man. lie had not secured fortune, but he died with the 
respect of all. When a good man dies, all feel it; but at the 
death of a human animal tears are scarce. 



GItAND RIVER VALLEY. 169 

In 1843, came Jolm Cathcart. In 1850, he was stabbed by 
a neighbor under the influence of liquor, and died in conse- 
quence. The man was sent to prison. About the same time 
ca3iis John Haire, who has since been seen, lieard and felt at 
Georgetown, Ottawa county. Also Stephen Coon, who died 
in 1850. Three sons of his are now respectable physicians in 
Lisbon and Casnovia. Coon could not have been a very bad 
man, or he had a good wife. 

Here, too, may be mentioned Henry Church, who still lives 
in the nortli of Alpine. 

In June, 1811, came " Uncle Edw^ard Wheeler," — the first 
supervisor of the town — everybody's " uncle." "Wheeler is an 
old man now, and we Adll talk about him. He is a great pet. 
The children hail him, " Uncle Wheeler, ain't you going to 
<rive us a kiss?" "Give ms the first one!" The genial old 
soul loves everybody, and everybody loves him. Yv^lien he 
dies there will be a big funeral, and many eyes will be dim. 
God bless your genial old soul. Uncle Ed. 

Wlieeler, when ho came, had a family, and some mone_y. He 
bought IGO acres of land, which, paying in State scrip, cost 
him $101.50. A brother-indaw, Harry Wilder, came with 
him, who bought 10 acres of land of AVheeler, and paid for it 
by cutting down eight acres. (Land is not so paid for in Alpine, 
now.) Wilder died in 1S5S; a good man and devoted Chris- 
tian. 

At this date we find, also, Baltus Shafter, Joseph Kipler, 
Casper Cordes, Moses R.iinsdell, Sherman M. Pearsall, Harvey 
Monroe, Francis Greenly, Henry Porter, P. Fox, John Avery, 
Tlobert Delmar, Henry and Lorenzo Dennison, Philip Gum- 
mings and his sons, and perhaps some more. Greenly was 
killed by lightning. At this time (1814), AYm. H. Witliey had 
a mill on Mill Creek. 

xVlpine was long identified with Walker. She was slow to 
claim to be of age, and lived contentedly as " ITorth Walker " 
until 1847. Tli^n, in April, she held her first election, at the 
:ichool-hou5e in the southeast corner of the town. 

The first ofiicers were: Supervisor, Edward Wiieeler; Clerk, 
C. .D. Sc'heuiek; Treasurer, Casper Cordes; Justices, Win. II. 
AVithey, John Coffee, John Colton, John Tuxbury. 



170 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

The name was singularly chosen, and is not the most appro- 
priate. Every town is apt to have a dictatorial voice; and the 
north half of "Walker harl its man lolio must dictate. He de- 
cided that the pine trees of the east part of the township should 
furnish the name; and his poetic genius conceived and brought 
forth the name—" All Pine." In the name of the whole, he 
decided that the infant town should be so baptized. Mrs. 
Hills, seeing that "All Pine" was destined to be the name, 
suggested that one " 1 " should be dropped, and the two words 
condensed into one, which would still preserve the " pine," 
and be more musical. A sly twinkle was in her eye, as dic- 
tator said, "That's jist tlie thing." 

The tourist will look in vain for its "lowering heights" and 
"beetling crags" where "leaps the live thunder." He will 
come prepared with alpenstock, to scale the snow-crowned and 
rocky heiglits — -to trace the glacier in the mountain defile, or 
to dodge the avalanche. But, wandering, he linds a region 
fair and smooth as a lady's cheek; and, disgusted, he calls 
out to a passing denizen: "Where are your Alj^ine heights, 
and your Alpine vales?" Citizen Hills, for such is he, says to 
him: "Have you no poetry in your soul? Can you not 
conceive, mountain scenery, and enjoy the idea? Are you so 
prosaic as to see only tame reality?" 

By this time the disgusted traveler has put distance between 
himself and Hills. Nevertheless, the spirit of poetry is on 
Hollis, and he apostrophises: 

" Ye crags and peaks, I'm with yon once again," 

et cetera, et cetera, and so forth; until, in a fine glow of poetic 
rapture, he extemporises: 

Time was wlien Indians was scalpin' 
One another, up here in Alpine. 

The remainder is unwritten. 

Situated, as the town mostly is, in the best land in Michigan, 
it is no wonder that thi-ift and wealth abound; that goodlj' resi- 
dences and and noble farms are the rule and not the exception. 
The land was mostly taken on State warrants, when land was 



GEAND EIVER VALLEY. 171 

lying around loose, " all sprawled about," and hardly considered 
a tiling of value. "Times change, and we change with them.'' 
The men who joined issue with the "heavy timber" now rest 
from their labors, either in their graves, or in their otiiim cunh 
dignitate, which, translated by a college student, means, 
"smoke their pipes and oversee." A few, like Buck, Murray 
and Pearsall, don't know when they are rich enough, and work 
from habit. But most of the old fellows look on their broad 
acres, and let the boys do the work. 

There are two churches in the town, the Baptist and the 
Catholic. 

ADA. 

Ada was authorized by the Legislature to commence exist- 
ence as a town in 18 38. Its limits were the present town of 
Ada, and what are now Cascade and Caledonia. It received 
its name from a little child of the town, "Ada Smith" — 
daughter of the iirst settler, Sidney Smith — now the wife of 
James Miller, Esq., of Grand Kapids. 

The lands pre-empted at Ada were mostly river bottoms, 
some of the best land in the country. Titles could not be ob- 
tained until 1839. Some improvements had been made; the 
block-house tavern, long known as the Withey house, had been 
built. 

When the lands were sold, several persons secured large 
tracts. 

Bix Kobinson, by favor of the Indians, by the treaty, had 
some 600 acres. 

Loan and Perry Hill secured 600 acres on the right bank of 
the river two miles below the bridge. 

Rhodes, 500 acres, now known by his name. 

Lucius Lyon, 1,000 or so along the Thornapple and where is 
the village of Ada. 

Charles Robinson pre-empted below the Rhodes place; Rix 
Church in the same region. 

Torrey Smith, two miles above the bridge, on the right 
bank of the river; Simeon D. Holt above Smith. 

-John and Wm. Spence, next below the Pettis farm, where 
is the school house. 



172 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Kix Robinson, as an Indian Trader, came to the Grand 
Eiver in 1821, and established several trading posts, making 
his central place with the Indians at Ada. Being a person 
without rights, and at the sufferance of the Indians, lie can 
scarcely be called for many years a settler, but rather a so- 
journer. He was, in reality, the pioneer of the Yallcy. He 
identified himself with the Indians for purposes of trade. 
When the land was opened for settlement he became a settler 
with others. As he will be the subject of a special article, no 
more will be said of him here. 

Sidney Smith is reported to have been the first after Robin- 
son who took up his abode in this town. His residence was 
a short distance Vv^est of the Ada Bridge. 

The real settlement fairly commenced in 1836. In 1837, 
we find John Spence, AVilliam Spence, Edward Pettis, Ed- 
ward Robinson, with a large family of sons; John W. Fiske, 
Gen. AVithey, Digby V. Bell, Zerra Whitney, Torrey Suiith, 
A. II. Riggs, Putnam Hill, Elias Crow, Enoch Price, Minos 
Gypson, Rix Church, Lot Church, Charles Robinson, Wm. 
Slauson, Perry Hill, Loan Hill. 

Enoch Price and Elias Crow took lands near Pettis. 

Pettis located by a fine spring on the bottom lands, where 
he now lives. 

Minos Gypson was Pettis' neighbor. 

Edward Robinson located below Rix Robinson. 

Yery early in the historj' of the town, they saw that at the 
mouth of the Thornapple was the place for a city, or a village, 
at least. Accorditigly, and in the spirit of the times, a village 
was platted, and the lots were sold/b?' taxes, until all was ab- 
sorbed in the farms surrounding — no one owning a village. 
AVhen the D. & M. Railroad established their depot there, 
and Clement put up mills on the Thornapple, in 1853, it be- 
came self-evident that a village must be there. A j)ortion of 
land on both sides of the Thornapple was laid out, and a snug 
little place has grown up — this time on the ground and not 
on paper. Before that time there had been the nucleus of a 
village on the other side of the river. There they had a store, 
the school-house, blacksmith shop and several houses. 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 173 

A bridge was at an early day built by tbe State, wiiicli fell 
ill 1852, with several men on it at the time. Kone, however, 
were killed. Tlie present toll-bridge was bnilt in 1853; it is 
now free. 

In 1854, the second school -house was built near wliere stands 
the school-house of to-day. It was a very respectable wooden 
structure. Moses Everett, then recently from New York, a 
teacher by profession, was first placed in charge. About 1870, 
the second house having become too small to accommodate the 
rising village, the ]3resent brick house was built, and tlie school 
opened in it. 

Two churches. Baptist and Methodist, attest the interest of 
the people in religious observances; and the snug houses and 
business places the thrift of the pleasant village. 

Ada had its Indian band; their planting ground was on 
both sides of the Thornapple, at its mjuth. A small band of 
them, at the time o^ the extinction of the Indian title, located 
themselves on tlie left bank of the river some miles below, 
Avhere the Catholics establislied a mission. These Indians, 
imder wise leadership, became civilized; had as good farms as 
their neighbors; as good houses, cattle and crops. They, how- 
ever, broke up and went to the reservations at Pentwater. 
This settlement was known as " Boshaw's," so called from a 
French half-breed, who was influential amongst them. 

By the way, the Catholics civilise the Indians. Their mis- 
sionaries do not rely simply on preaching the Gospel; they do 
not try to do all at once; have patience, and succeed; while 
ProtestMut zeal has generally resulted in lowering the charac- 
ter of their missions. Protestant zeal has over-shot itself, not 
being directed by wisdom. 

Tlie Protestant missionary has aimed, in the first ]>laee, to 
*• convert" the Indians, and is satisfied if he can see them praj^- 
ing and singing. Lie indoctrinates them in a theology they 
cannot understand, and numbers his "converts." The 
( Jatholic, on the contrary, shows the Indian the advantages of 
civilized life, of agriculture and the arts; and not by bold 
attack, but in a sidelong way, introduces his religion. The In- 
dian is cool-lieaded, and the Catholic does not try to v\-ake in 



174 MEMORIALS OF THE 

liiiu religious entlnisiasm. He works coolly; gains slowl_y; 
and soon has tlie satisfaction of seeing liis Indians "vvhat he 
wanted them to be— civilized men and the adherents of his 
church. Cannot Protestants learn a lesson from tliem? The 
Protestant, on the contrary, tries first to make them tlic 
adherents of his church, and hopes and expects that civiliza- 
tion will follow. The result withi the Iiidians has not been 
what the Protestant hoped and prayed for. 

Perhaps no man has lived there whose influence was more 
felt than that of Mr. Perkins, who bought 600 acres or more 
of land at the mouth of the Thornapple in 1852. This land, 
and the other lands around it had been cultivated on the " skin- 
ning" principle until the owners, conquered by the weeds, had 
taken down tlieir fences and thrown their fields into common. 
Perkins knew the advantage of running tiie plow more than 
four inches deep. lie fenced these abandoned commons; put 
in Q.r\<\ piit down the plow; and showed the first year his 100 
bushels of corn, and his -lO bushels of wheat to the acre. This 
one lesson he taught the people of Ada. " The gold lies deep 
in the ground;" and by tliat one lesson he doubled the value 
of the town. I*Tow, Perkins was not a saint, but he was the 
farmer who taught Ada the real value of their lands, and 
" civilized" their farming. It is strange that while the pro- 
phetic bullfrog is always calling out to the farmer " P>eam deep!" 
he does little more than scratch the surface, and seldom gets 
more than fifteen bushels of wheat to the acre; when "beam 
deep" gives 40! If you plough your ground with one horse, 
t>ne horse can carry oif the crop. About ten years ago the 
writer was talking with a farmer in Ada— a man, by the way, 
who knew more of a good many other things then he did of 
farming. 

This man said his "land was poor; " lie could get no good 
crops from it; and was told in reply: "Your farm, sir, is one of 
good capabilities; it is good land; but I am afraid you do not 
know how to persuade it to give its crops." The farmer sold 
that land to one who had before raised forty bushels of wheat 
to the acre; and, as he knew what "beam deep" means, he is 
getting rich from oflPhis excellent farm. These farms want a 



GRAND PJVER VALLEY. 175 

good deal of severe discipline. When one has put his farm 
under j)roper discipline, it is cheering to see liow happy he 
looks about harvest time. I wish 1 owned one thousand acres 
of the Ada bottom lands, and knew how to cultivate them ! 
Then I would get my wife a gold watch, and my daughter a piano. 
At a very early period, xida was one of the stopping places : 
and a block-house tavern was kept by J. W. Fiske, and after- 
wards by Gen. Witliey. That house did service as a tavern 
until as late as 1S55, and like Yankee Springs Hotel, was fa- 
mous. Fiske, the iirst keeper, now resides in the town of 
Grand Rapids, near where he won a name in another log- 
house, and where he built a fine brick hotel by the lake, that 
bears his name. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHUECH. 
BY REV. E. BOOTH. 

Congregational Church of Cascade, organized Sept. 2-1, 1849, with nine 
members, viz: 

G. G. Bailej^ J. A. Barker, Christina Dennison, E. K. Dennison, Delia G. 
Bailej^ Hezekiah Howell, Margaret Howell, Caroline Barker, Charles Coger. 

The whole numb3rwho have joined up to this date is 92. Number died 
and dismissed, 46. Leaving present membership, 46. 

Rev. R. J. Hess preached for the church about three years, after which 
there were no services except occasional preaching by Rev. E. Prince, until 
Aug., 1851, when Rev. J. Bailard became pastor, and continued three years. 
In Aug., 1860, the church took the name, " Congregational Church of Ada,'' 
and the plac3 of meeting was changed to the village of Ada. 

In Oct., 1863, Rev. N. K. Evarts commenced preaching, and continued 
three years. He was followed, in Feb., 1867, by Rev. D. L. Eaton, who also 
preached three years, occupying the Baptist church. In March, 1870, Rev. 
E. Booth commenced preaching, and has continued until the present time. 

In 1871, the church commenced building a house of worship, which was 
completed, furnished and dedicated Jan. 10, 1872. 

The house is .32 by 50, 18 feet high, Gothic style, frame cased with brick, 
and cost — includmg lot, horse-sheds, bell, stoves, carpets and cushions — about 
$3,100. Tliis sum was raised by the people of the place, with the aid of 
$300 from Congregational Union, and about $500 from friends abroad and 
neighboring churches . 

Mrs Margaret Howell is the only one remaining of the original members 
of the church. 

The church is now free from debt, and in prosperous condition. 

A BIT OF CIIUECn IlISTOKT. 

On a recent anniversary occasion the Eev, E. Booth, the 



176 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

worthy pastor of the Ada Congregational Church, preached a 
sermon from wliicli the followhis; facts are jjleaned: 

On the 2-ith of September, 18-±9, the Congregational Chnrcli 
of Cascade was organized with nine members — G. G. Bailey, 
Jesse A. Barker, Cliristina Dennison, E. K. Dennison, Delia 
G. Bailey, Hezekiah Howell, Margaret Howell, Caroline Bar- 
leer, Chas. Cogjr. Of these only one — Margaret Howell — 
remains in connection with tlie chnrch. In April, ISCO, the 
])lac3 of meeting of the chnrch was changed to the village of 
Ada, and the name Avas changed to " Congregational Church 
of Ada," wliich name it still bears. The church met in the 
school-house and afterward in the Baptist chnrch. In the fall 
of the year, 1870, it was decided to build a house of worship. 
With some assistance from friends at home and abroad, the 
etfort was successful, and on the 10th of January, 1872, a neat 
house was dedicated, costing, with its furniture, bell, horse- 
shed, etc., $3,100. Since that time the church has- taken anew 
lease of life, and its prospects are brigliter than ever before. 

During the quarter century of its existence, the church has 
enjoyed three revivals; ninety -two names have been placed on 
its roll of members. Forty-fiv^e of these are still in connection 
with the church. As far as known, only five have died. The 
church has had five acting pastors — Iv3v. R. J. Hess, from 181:9 
to 1852; Eev. J. Ballard, from 1859 to 1863; E3v. X. K. 
Rvarts, from 1863 to 1867; Rev. D. L. Eaton, from 1867 to 
1870; Rev. E. Booth, from 1870 to 1875. The intervals of 
this service have been supplied more or less by transient 
])reachers. 

Like most of the Congregational churches of the West, this 
cliureh has been fostered by the American Home Missionary 
Society, and it is hoped that its moral and pecuniary powers 
for good will, in the future, amply repay the prayers, and 
labor, and money that have sustained it for the past twenty- 
five years. 

BOWNE. 

The pioneer of Bowne was Jonathan Thomas, who in 1836 
entered a large tract of land in the southwest part of the town. 



GRAND RIVER VALLET. 177 

He brought on with liim William Woollev, Frederick Thomp- 
son, Israel Graves, and their tamilies. From Toledo they 
came, with ox teams; and were two weeks on the journey. 

At this time it was a " new country," but they proceeded to 
make themselves comfortable. If yon wish to know what it 
took to make a man of means comfortable, imagine a log 
shanty 12x16, and in it stowed three or four families. Mr. 
Thomas soon found himself unfit for the hardships and priva- 
tions, to which he had not been inured. He was taken sick, 
and was carried back, on a bed, in a sleigh, to JSTew York. 
The same man, lying on his bed in a wagon, went to Kalama- 
zoo, during the first summer, for wheat, wlien out of provis- 
ions. 

In the spring of 1838, Hoswell Tyler and his three sons — 
Roswell, Loren B., and Asahel R., — ventured in; also Malcomb 
and John JMcXaughton, who broke up land and put in wdieat. 
In the fall, iS^orman Foster and J. C. Beach were added. 
Afterwards, in the course of a few years, William Stuart, Jas. 
Truax, Daniel C. McYean, Jared Miller, and Abraham Lowe. 

Thus its will be seen, that though Bowne was remote from 
any of the river points of settlement, it was at an early day 
taken possession of. Although there was a scattering of set- 
tlers along the river before, 1836 was the year when possession 
was taken in earnest; and that year witnessed the occupation 
of Bowne by Thomas and his band. It was a venture further 
from the river than any other of that year. 

At first the settlers leaned on Thomas and the Indians. 
Thomas had money; they worked for him, clearing his land; 
and would sell turnips and potatoes to the Indians; getting 
money and venison. Among the Indians then resident was 
Pegu — a good-hearted, noble fellow, of Avhom all speak with 
respect and gratitude. He is now at Pentwater; but would 
find himself among friends, should he come back to Bowne. 
Another of the early Indian favorites of the settlers, v/as Poka- 
nomino, who is now a thriving farmer at Freemont Centre. 

The Indians of Cascade, Caledonia and Bowne were a mix- 
ture of Ottawas and Chippewas. They did not belong to any 
mission, and were known as " Robinson's Indians." The old 

12 



178 MEMOrJALS OF THE 

leader was Casiia, who resided three-quarters of a mile from 
Whitney's tavern. He attempted farming. His wife was a 
most ladj'-like woman; held in the highest esteem by the 
whites. A number of their kindred were settled around 
them; among whom she was "a good mother." The writer 
well recollects the first and only time he saw her. She was 
riding her pony, on her homeward journey from Grand Ttaj)- 
ids. We remarked to the man in company that she was " a 
respectable looking squaw," and received the answer : " She is 
a venerable woman." In fact, human dignit}^ does not de- 
pend on comi)lexion or race; and we are happy to notice, that 
people with souls are beginning to appreciate that fact. What 
makes the difference? What colo7' is a human soul? In 
f^rniei- times, the British military uniform was scarlet. An 
officer met a little negro boy in the street, and showed his sense 
of disgust. Little darkey put his thumb on his nose, and 
said: " You was as black as I be till you was biled," Little 
nig was a philosopher, and had seen lobsters, living and 
cooked. And let me ask you, who look with lofty self-com- 
placency on 3^our white skin, as your patent of nobility, and 
with contempt on the one who is of a different hue, are you 
a gentleman, or are you merely a boiled lobster ? But in our 
wise reflections, we have strayed from Bow^ne. Revenons a 
nos moutons. 

There were some troubles with the Indians, due to whisky. 
But, on the whole, they made themselves useful; and, indeed, 
they were indispensable. Their hospitality was hearty and 
sincere, and, w^here they professed friendshij), it was true and 
reliable. The Indian, uncorrupted by association with the 
baser element of the whites, is chivalrously honorable, honest 
and true. His friendship or his enmity is« reliable. He don't 
smile in your face and stab in the back. He don't ask the 
(piestion, "Can I conveniently do this stranger the favor 
.asked?" So the settlers in Bowne found them, and they re- 
jnember the Indians with respect and gratitude. 

What an event to the eitrly settler is "going to mill!" We 
uow have the saying, " As plain as the road to mill;" as though 
going to mill was as siniple a thing as going to the barn. Let 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 179 

US o'o to mill with Mr. Thompson once, in 1837. It was to go 
to Kalamazoo with oxen, through the woods; camp out, and 
get along as he found himself able. His oxen strayed away; 
and with his journey and hunting his oxen, he got back in eight 
days. His wife, wearied with waiting, and fearing danger, set 
out on foot and alone to find her husband, and met him return- 
ing. A specimen of an old bachelor met heron the way, who, 
on learning why she was so tar from home, and so earnest, said, 
" I, too, would marry if I could get sucii a wife." There are, 
even now, some women who consider their husband a part of 
self. We won't say "God bless the man who has such," for 
God has anticipated the prayer. 

A little episode of these times may illustrate the primitive 
way of dealing with sinners. A specimen of that genus had 
stolen some money from Mr. Campau. They caught him, and 
chained him up in the barn at Whitney's tavern. Then Whit- 
ney and Campau matured their plan. Campau was to disap- 
pear, wliich he did, but put himself where he could see the 
sport. 

Whitney went to the rascal, told him Campau liad gone for 
an officer, and that it would go hard with him ; that he (AVliit- 
ney) wished to befriend him, and would let him go before Cam- 
pau got back, if he would clear out. He told him to take the 
shortest cut to the woods, and having got under cover, to put 
distance behind him as fast as possible. This the fellow upon 
his sacred Jionor promised to do. Whitney then undid tlie 
padlock that held him chained; he shot for the woods, and was 
seen no more. In the meantime the two were holding: their 
sides until he was out of hearing; and then they exploded. Bv 
the way, who ever repented of telling a lie to a thief? 

A pair of panthers were seen by Mr. Tliomas, between 
Bowne and Middleville. They were afterwards seen by two 
men who had rifles, near Ball Prairie, on the Thornapple; 
but the men dared not shoot. Tliese panthers have been traced 
across the southern part of Ionia county, where they were 
repeatedly seen; across the southern part of Kent county, to 
Talmadge, in Ottawa county, where one of them was killed; 
the other has maintained an cdihi ever since. In speaking of 



180 MEMORIALS OF THE 

the beasts of the forest, this pair of panthers are the only ones 
spoken of by the old settlers as having been seen. It is 
doubtful if that beast was ever anything but a stranger and a 
pilgrim in Michigan. The settlers can tell bear and wolf 
stories until they cease to interest; but all we can liear of the 
dreaded panther is of this one pair, and they were a couple of 
co^vardly sneaks, probably expelled from society and ashamed 
to be seen ;• their most daring exploit being to chase a defense- 
less boy, and be scared by his shout. 

By reference to what is said of Caledojiia, it will be seen 
that Bowne was united with that town until 1840. The set- 
tlement had been slow, and it seems that but few voters par- 
ticipated in the first election. 

The first meeting was at school-house 'No. 1, the first Mon- 
day in April. 

Elected: Supervisor, Roswell F. Tyler; Clerk, Daniel C. 
McYean; Treasurer, Justus C. Beach; Justices, Daniel Mc- 
jS'augliton, Jared Miller, ^Norman Foster. 

Sixteen names are on the record, in addition to those above: 
Henry C. Foster, Frederick Thompson, Abijah Pool, John A. 
Campbell, Loren B. Tyler, James H. Truax, Asahel R. Tyler, 
Wm. Gibson and John Underwood. 

Since the organization of the town its progress lias been a 
steady one of filling up and developing as an agricultural 
town. Its first saw-mill was built on Sec. 36, in 1855; its 
only grist-mill was put up by A. D. Thomas in 1862. 

The first census we have of the toMm is that of 1854, when 
the population was 357. 

The progress of filling up can be seen by referring to the 
summary of the census returns. The U. S. census, of 1850, 
makes no mention of Bowne. In 1845, the two towns num- 
bered 127; in 1850, Caledonia, 99. 

At the present writing (1875) several of the pioneers are 
living and resident. I^^orman Foster, a quiet, sensible, 
straightforward man, died in ISTO. Asahel Kent died in 
1840, and Jobn P. McKaughton, in 1841. Eoswell C. Beach 
closed the life of a worthy citizen in 1862. John Underwood 
died in 1868. Malcomb P. McNaughton died many years ago. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 181 

The survivors of tlie earlier days are still a band of brothers, 
bound by the ties of long ago. As age silvers their hair, they 
more and more live over the days " lang-syne," when far in 
the wilds they drank deejj of the fraternal spirit. It is a no- 
ticeable fact that if any of these pioneers of Bowne had a fault, 
the survivors have forgotten it. They are eloquent in praise, 
but speak of no failings. They partake of the spirit of the 
sons;: 

" I know not, I ask not, if gilt's in tkis heart; 
I but know that I love thee, whatever thou art." 

It may seem that a very inappropriate use is made of the 
beautiful lines of Moore; but just live ten years in the woods, 
with a few scattered neighbors, and then tell me if "love" is 
too strong a word to express your feelings towards those who 
were your companions in seclusion. I shall make no apology 
to the old fellows in Bowne, for they told me so themselves. 
Speak disrespectfully of one of their forest companions, and 
see if they don't flare. 

BYROJSr. 

Byron is an outgrowth from the Grand ville settlement. Bv 
a reference to what is said of Wyoming, it will be seen that 
Grandville was one of the earliest settled places on the Grand 
River; that the organization of the town was coincident with 
the organization of the county. The two townships, five and 
six, north range, twelve west, were made a town, with the 
name, Byron. In this union they continued until 1818, when 
a separation was effected; the southern town retaining the 
original name; the other assumin£>: the name of AYvominof. 

The fact that Byron was a heavily timbered township, re- 
tarded its occupation. The openings to the first settlers 
seemed more inviting; there was free passage; and the labor 
of clearing, and getting in a crop, was comparatively small. 
For these reasons the heavy timbered lands, which experience 
has proved to be the best in general, were not the first sought. 
Let u-3 not, gentle reader, reprove their lack of sagacity. You 
or I, under similar circumstances, would have done as they did. 



182 MKMOKIALS OF THE 

The land for some miles from the river was of the class 
called "openings;" further back, on either side were " tim- 
l)ered lands." As the character of the openings has changed, 
so that nothing of the kind is now seen in the settled parts of 
Michigan; and as the generation of those who have grown up 
in the region, have seen nothing of the sort, it may not be 
considered amiss to give a description of the "openings" 
lands. 

Looking at any piece of oak woods, two distinct growths 
will be observed; one of very scattering large trees, and the 
other a thick growth of smaller ones. The large trees were 
all that was on the land when the region was first occupied. 
The land was "open;" no fallen timber, and nothing but the 
very scattered oak trees to obstruct the view. A wagon or 
load of hay could be driven anywhere. 

The settler had only to cut down or " girdle " the scattered 
oaks, put in the plow with a strong team; and sow his ground. 

Xeither the " openings " nor the " prairies " were natural. 
Thev were the result of the Indian practice of burning over 
the lands; with the double object of making them more open, 
so that they could see their game, and rendering the region 
more healthy. Where the fires killed the whole of the wood, 
the result M'as a prairie. Where they only killed tlie young 
growth, it was an opening; just as good for Indian purposes. 
AVhere the undergrowth was oak or hickory, the fires killed 
only so much as was above the ground, leaving the root to 
•sprout up again. This gave rise to what received the name of 
"grubs," that is, strong, heavy roots, with only an insignifi- 
cant bush ffrowins: from them. The root of a shrub an inch 
in diameter would be sufficient for a tree of several inches; 
and would have a spreading top, like a mushroom. A fire run- 
ning through would kill all these young bushes. In a year or 
so all would be clear. In general there was nothing which 
could not be cut with the brush-scythe, or torn up by the' 
plow. 

There were two ways of preparing the ground for a crop. 
The first has been indicated — with a strong team " break " the 
land, and pull out the roots, partly by the harrow, and partly 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 183 

l)j hand. The second way, to '' grub " the ground, or dig out 
each root with an instrument made for that purpose. 

This was the more Laborious and better waj, as it left the 
land in a better condition to receive the crop. A breaking- 
team of tliree or four yoke of oxen could "break" an acre in 
a day, but there was still all the labor of " pulling out." A 
stout man would "grub" with his mattock and ax, an acre 
ill a week. A class of men in early times owned teams and 
made a business of " breaking." Those, who could not pay 
the " breakers," or who wished their land earlier under good 
culture, "grubbed." The openings are a thing of the past; 
therefore, this explanation. 

Again, the early settlers had not been backwoodsmen. They 
came from a region, cleared by their fathers, and were little 
accustomed to the use of the ax. To them a heavy standing- 
growth of timber, and the great hxllen trees, were formidable. 
A tree was not then, as now, a little mine of wealth, but it was 
a nuisance — to be got rid of, and that, too, by the hardest labor. 
Therefore, we will not censure the wisdom of the pioneers for 
their preferring the openings to what they well knew would 
prove to be the better " timbered' lands." 

It required a little nerve to push into South Byron; a few 
settlers Avere early there. It is not now known that any one 
located before 1836, when several came into the northern part 
of the township. Three brothers — IS^athan, Jerry and Wil- 
liam Boynton; another "three brothers" — Justus C, Jacob 
and Charles Rogers. It is generally conceded that Is'athan 
Boynton was the first. lie proceeded to put up his " palace" 
— split logs for roof and floor, with clay and sticks for a 
chimne3^ We have called it his " palace," and not without rea- 
son, for every old pioneer confirms the fact, that his first 
j-ude shelter had more attractions in his eyes, then any house 
that subsequent good fortune enabled him to build, and,- v:>e 
helieve them. Go into the woods yourself, camp under trees 
\intil you can get up a 12x20 log house, witJi a fire place in it, 
and then see it your dreams, the first night you are in it, are 
]iot of a palace — your oxori liom.e. Ah, my dear sir, or madam, 
log houses were before painted verandas, and sand was used 
before carpets. 



184 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

Mr. Rogers brought some means with him, so that he could 
hire much done, and in two years we find liim harvesting 100 
acres of wheat, which he sold for ?>7^ cents a bushel. 

Slowly one after another ventured into the timber, to combat 
with the forest, to conquer a home and a farm. In 1837, we 
have Harmon Kellogg, John Harmon; and in 1838, Harvey 
Kibby, Ella Judsou, Hiram Lockwood, xilden Coburn, 
Benjamin Robinson, Ephraim Chamberlain, Wm. R. God- 
win and Cyrus Jones. It is not absolutely certain that all of 
these came in 1838. The memory of the survivors does not 
always agree. They came about that time. 

In the years immediately following, came Charles Lane, 
(transient), James B. Jewell, Amalek Taylor, Joseph Gallop, 
Larkin Ball, Eli Crossett, Peter Goldin, Wm. Olmsted, Henry 
A. Van Nest, Samuel Hubbell — only one or two a year. As 
late as 1844, the south part of Byron was an unoccupied wild. 
In that year Ezekiel Cook settled near the southwest corner, 
and had no neighbors nearer than four miles. 

The settlement of the town was so slow, that for ten years 
some one was a pioneer in some part of it. We cannot follow 
each one, neither is it necessary. This one fact is })atent: 
that it was twelve years after the fii'st settlers came in before 
they had inhabitants enough -to feebly commence as a town by 
themselves. The reason has been given above. 

The recollections are that 1840-7, were the years of real 
occupancy, and the records of the votes of old a.d new Byron 
indicate that there was quite an influx in 1847. 

In 1847, the vote for supervisor in the town, as then (Byi'on 
and AVyoming), was sevent_y, when, it is well known, the prin- 
cipal vote was at and around Grandville. Upon the organiz- 
ing of the new town in 1848, the vote was fifty-two, whicli 
indicates that either in 1847 the south Byron voters stayed at 
home, or that many settlers came in in 1847. In new towns 
voters go t(Ptowii meeting. That is their holiday. 

Indicative of the relative population of Wyoming and 
Byron, at the settlement b3tween the two towns. May, 1848, 
Byron received 28 1-10 per cent, of the money on hand. 

At the irubernatorial election in the fall of 1847, the vote of 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 185 

tlie two towns was ninety-three. In 1850, tlie popnlation wus 
309. A reference to the census repoi-ts will show that it then 
filled np rapidly. 

Bjron is essentially an agricultural town. It has two little 
villages — Corinth and Bjron Center — both of which sprung up 
around mills. 

Corinth (formerly Cody's Mills) is on the line between Gaines 
and Byron, partly in each town, and is a hamlet of about twenty- 
five houses. It originated with three brothers by the name 
of Cody, who, in 1866, put up steam grist and saw mills. 
They did business about three years. Tiie mills then passed 
through several hands, and were unsuccessfully operated. In 
1872, they became the property of Isaac D. Hazen and W. R. 
Russell, who have successfully carried on the business since. 
In 186y,a furniture factory was started by a joint-stock com- 
pany. The company did a good business one year, when the 
factory was burned. The company re-built, but failed to make 
the concern a success, and broke up, deeply involved. The 
village has at present no prospect of growth — is a pleasant 
little country center. 

The other village — Byron Center — is of recent origin. In 
1871, Mr. Towner built a saw-mill for cutting hard lumber. 
In 1872, he platted a village by his mill. Stores, shops, etc., 
naturally clustered themselves there, as there was the mill and 
the railroad station. At present, the village has about twen- 
tv-five houses. A Methodist church was bnilt in 1873. 

The old settlers have a good many stories to tell about the 
wolves. These sneaky pests were thickest in the shady timber. 
They were seldom dangerous, but at times were provokingly 
impudent. The writer ha^ not heard of any one being killed 
by wolves in the Grand River Yalley, though many have been 
obliged to fight them, or take to a tree. Singly, the wolf was 
despised; in packs, they we;-c dangerous. A good club, a reso- 
lute eye, and a shout, generally, in the daytime, wo^d disperse 
tlie reprobates. It was not safe to be surrounded by them in the 
night, as Jaiftes M. Barney, of Byron, learned in 1850. He, un- 
willing that his cow should be beef for wolves, after listening 
to what they said one night by liis yard, sallied out with some- 



186 MEMORIALS OF THE 

wliat more wrath than discretion, to argue the question of the 
ownership of said cow. The wolves, seeing vengeance in his 
eye, and a shooting iron in his hand, did not stop to argue the 
case, but retreated to the bushes, keeping all the time one eye 
on Barney. He, thinking wicked words, entered the bushes; 
and there the wolves, abandoning their claim to the cow, de- 
bated with him until broad daylight, wdiether lie should not be 
mutton for wolves. He used all his eloquence to prove that 
man was not made for wolves, using his gun as his aid, and he 
got his case. 

One of the stray panthers, otherwise spoken of as having 
traversed the south part of Ionia and Ottawa counties, was 
seen in Byron, but there was no adventure with it. 

In the spring of 1836, a tornado did some damage in Byron 
and Paris. In Byron, it blew down the house of J. C. Rogers; 
and in Paris, that of Cyrus Jones. ISTo one was seriously in- 
jured, though several were badly scared. Who wouldn't be? 
The huml)le writer got mixed up in one once, and while the 
trees were crashing on all sides, gave a specimen of magnifi- 
cently tall walking. He has never since wished to look a tor- 
luido in the face, and speaks of them with tremljling respect. 
"We like the balmy air, and the gentle breeze, and we respect 
the strong gale. But when the air gets its back up, and is in 
a wliirlwind of passion, Ave forget jDoetic sentiment; at least 
that was the case witli the writer. 

The first organization of Byron is given in the history of 
Wyoming. 

CASCADE. 

Cascade was a part of Ada until 1818. The first town 
meeting was held at the house of Wm. S. Gunn, April 3d, 
1848; Harry Clark, Moderator; J. R. Stewart, Clerk. The 
first ofiicers were: 

Peter Temple, Supervisor; J. P. Stewart, Clerk; Asa Den- 
nison, Treasurer; Leonard Stewart, Zerra Whitney, Justices. 

Number of voters present, 50. 

One hundred dollars voted for town expenses. 

Cascade did not claim an independent existence at so early 



GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 187 

a stage as many other towns; content to be a part of a town 
until it was some evidence of respectability to be a town 
officer. 

Its pioneer occupation dates from 1836 — <"lie year of the 
rush of land-seekers into the Yalley. First came Lewis Cook, 
followed the same year by Peter and George Teeple, and 
Hiram Laraway. 

In 1837, the only person who is known to have settled in 
the town is Edward Linen, the pioneer Irishman; soon fol- 
lowed by more of his countrymen, who have proved the advan- 
tages that result to the sons of overcrowded Ireland, when they 
leave their country for their own and their country's good; 
their own, for they can find a home, competence, wealth and 
respect; their country's, for each one leaving gives better 
chance and wages to those who remain. 

It is hard for a man whose sole capital is a nervous body, to 
achieve property and position where labor begs employment. 
A British statesman once said in parliament, " It is no mys- 
tery to me how the man with a thousand pounds can increase 
it to a million; but it is a mystery how a man, commencing 
Avith nothing, can obtain a thousand pounds," The Irish peas- 
ant knows full well that in Ireland he cannot be respectable 
without property; and that there jjroperty is practically be- 
yond his reach. He knows of a land across the sea, where he 
can be a man among men. Cascade shows some of the 
results. 

Mr. Linen was not long the only Irishman in Cascade, for 
•the next year several more took up land in the town: James 
May, David Petted, John Farrell, James Annis, Wm. Annis, 
Michael Matthews, Patrick, Christo])her and Michael Eardley. 

Of these, James May, Edward Linen and Michael Matthews 
are still res'dent; men of means and respectability. 

David Petted died in 1870. 

James Annis died in 1865. ' 

William Annis was frozen to death in 1861; found, snowed 
under, a mile from his home. 

Patrick Eardley died in 1855. 

Christopher Eardley removed to LaPorte, Ind., and there died. 



188 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Michael Eardley was a good scholar, educated for a priest. 
He held town offices — was respected and looked up to. He 
died in 1870. 

The same year (1838) brought Frederick A. Marsh, whose 
tragic death, in 1846, sent a thrill of horror through the town. 
Eeturning from Grand Rapids, he was thrown from his wagon, 
and killed. 

Hiram Laraway also came to a premature and unnatural 
death. He perished by cold, between his home and Ada, in 
the winter of 18il-2. Of him we know little. His widow, 
" Aunt Mary Laraway," the sister of the Teeples, lived until 
1869, a model of virtue and amiability — bravely enduring 
hardships — training her sons and daughters as only a good 
mother can. God bless such a woman! But there is no need 
of that prayer, for God always does that; and blesses those who 
have the happiness to call her "mother;" and St. Peter, who 
holds the keys, with his hat in his hand, makes to her his best 
bow, as she enters the gate. Blessed is the memory such a 
woman leaves behind — the choicest legacy to her children, in 
whose souls she is enshrined a saint. She was killed by 
falling from a cherry tree, in the summer of 1869. 

The brothers Teeple are still honored residents of the town ; 
they have been among the most prominent citizens; have been 
looked to as "all right;" and it is still customary to "swear 
by Teeple." 

From 1838, the town filled up steadily and slowly. The date 
of the advent of each is a matter of little interest; settlers came 
dropping in, one by one; among whom we note: Zerra Whit-' 
ney, with his four sons — Peter, Ezra, Oscar and Chester — who 
arrived in 1841, and originated Whitneyville, long a noted 
stopping place on the wilderness road between Battle Creek 
and Ada. Mr. Whitney, Sr., was elected the lirst Justice of 
the Peace, and everybody knew him. He died in Wayland, 
Allegan county, in 1873. These sons of Whitnej' came with 
families, and have all either died or deserted, leaving nothing 
but a name attached to a portion of a town. WeU, a name 
and ajume are all we ca7i leave. How few leave anything. 
Oscar died in 1848; the others moved to other parts. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 189 

1842 brouglit Edward D, Gove, from Massacluisetts, and he 
stays in Cascade yet; also, Cliaiincey Sears, witli his two sons, 
Horace and Austin. The venerable patriarch is still in town, 
and so is Austin. Horace is in Caledonia. About this time 
also came Eber Moffit (who died in '68), and the brothers. 
^Michael and Joseph Cronnino;er, who now live in Caledonia, 

The first postoffice was established in 1847, at Whitney ville; 
"VVrn. C. White, postmaster. The first qnarters postage 
amounted to $2.25. For several years the postofiice at Bowne 
took its mail from Whitneyville; it was carried in a little 
l»ag, suspended to a boy's neck. There was then dignity in 
the office of postmaster. The lofty individual who could put 
P. M. after his name, had to live upon the dignity, and not 
the emoluments of the ofiice. 

At this time there w^ere but three occupied houses for six 
miles south. Eastward for ten miles there was but one 
settler. 

The first school was near Cook's Comers, and was taught by 
Miss Matilda Hill, in 1840. She was the sister of Perry Hill, 
of Grand Rapids. The fog house built for that school, was 
burned down in a few years. 

Mr. Aickley, sjjoken of as a pioneer in other towns, was the 
first to hold meetings in the town. 

What is said in connection with the town of Paris, about 
the cold winter, is equally applicable to Cascade. Three feet 
of snow falling in JN^ovember, and the remembrance of that 
buried by succeeding falls, made an impression on the bones 
and sinews of the settlers at the time; and on their memories 
afterwards. But they lived through it, and saved mosjt of 
their cattle. 

A more than passing notice is due to the memory of Asa AV. 
Dcnnison, who, with his brother Gideon AV. (Uncle Gid.), 
came in the spring of 1845. Dennison was a man of sterling 
Avorth; a leading ofiicial man in the town; respected and 
looked up to. He was killed by a kick from a horse in 1857. 

In 1849, the Pev. Eli Prince — a man whom ill-fortune had 
followed, opened a small store in Cascade village. He was a 
man of large stature, genial in his nature, public-spirited, true 



190 -MEMORIALS OF TUE 

and honorable. lie identified himself with every good work 
that was going on. He was nnflinching in duty, yet was 
more led by generous instincts than by the sense of obligation. 
The children learned to court his smile and gentle word. The 
people made of him a factotum, for they had learned to look 
to his ever willing heart in seasons of rejoicing or of sorrow- 
His life illustrated the beauty of an unselfish soul, true to 
the pale star of principle. He died in 1862; aged, 65. As 
in life besought not himself, so, when dead, he directed that 
no monument should mark his grave. He lies thus in a ceme- 
tery, which he gave to the town. But the people of Cascade 
will not forget where " Elder Prince" is buried. 

Cascade village is a small hamlet, clustered around the mills, 
the central place of the business of the town. The Thornap- 
ple River here gives a good water-power, which may be made 
to do more service than at present it is compelled to do. 
Whitneyville, so called, is not a village, but simply a public 
house, where in days past it was hoped a village would be. 

Cascade does not invest much in the externals of religion. 
The Catholics have a small church, l:^nlt in 1856. The Metli- 
odists, United Brethren and Christians have a foothold, and 
keep up organizations. 

Since the mineral sj^ring fancy took hold of Michigan, Cas- 
cade has been one of the places, to which the sick have resorted 
to use the "healing waters." The springs have established a 
reputation for curing many diseases, and are resorted to by 
•seekers of health. Fashion has not made it a resort, as they 
have not the facilities for making the place attractive. They 
have no buildings as yet but a simple bath-house. 

One little story of olden times in Cascade is too good to bo 
lost; illustrating the fact that "human natur" among the 
ancients was as vicious and as simple as among the moderns. 

A Mr. S— ., one of those honest, simple-hearted men, that 
sinners always delight to play practical jokes upon, had a 
horse, which he w^ished to exchange for a yoke of oxen. He 
heard that in another part of the town was a man, who wnshed 
to exchange a yoke of oxen for a horse. So he saddled his 
pony, rode over, and made the bargain. The question now was. 



CRAKD mVEK VALLEY. 191 

liow to ofet home tlie saddle. The man, who now had the 
horse, told him to put it on one of the oxen ; and to get on 
liimself and ride ; that the ox was used to being ridden. S— 
saddled the ox and mounted to go home. Tlie ox took to his 
heels; and there was no mane to cling to. The saddle slipped 
over behind the ox, dragging S — by the stirrups, to the im- 
minent peril of his life. Seeing that death or release must 
come, by a desperate effort he got free, with a poor opinion of 
his ox as a saddle beast. He said that when he was dragging 
at the heels of the beast, he promised his Maker, if he ever 
got out of that scrape alive, he would never ride an ox again ; 
a vow which he religiously kept. 

CALEDONIA. 

Caledonia was organized as a township, May 4th, 1840, at 
the house of Peter McISTaugh ton. The town at its organiza- 
tion consisted of what is now Caledonia and Bowne. The 
first officers were: 

John P. MclSTaughton, Supervisor; Justus C. Beach. Clerk; 
ISTorman Foster, Treasurer; J. C. Beach, Loren B. Tyler, Mai - 
comb P. McNaughton, Asahel Kent, Justices. 

One hundred and fifty dollars was raised for town expenses. 

The following names of voters are found on the record; and, 
as a specimen, showing how easy it was " to get office " in 
early days, the number of offices, to which each was elected, is 
set against the name: 

John P. Mcl^anghton, 1; Eoswell Tyler, 4; Justus C, 
Beach, 3; Maleomb P. McKaughton, 2; Loren B. Tyler, 1; 
John A. Campbell, 2; Asahel Kent, 2; Asahel Tyler, 1; Nor- 
man Foster, 3; Wm. B. Thompson, 1. 

All went home with their official honors thick upon them, 
None of them could put on airs, or refuse to let their children 
play with those of their neighbors; for they too were officers' 
children. 

The town was reorganized by act of Legislature in 1SG9. 

In 1838, Mr. Asahel Kent conceived the idea of a public 
house in the wilderness, on the Battle Creek trail. He 
accordingly came to Caledonia, then merely T. 5 N., P. 6 



192 MEMORIALS OF THE 

W., and opened, the " Kent House," which soon bocirae 
famous. And why? There was the jolly landlord, and his 
smiling dame, ever ready to welcome the weary traveler to a 
good lire,, a smoking dinner, and a home-like, social visit. 
What though the house was of logs, and tlie lodgings per- 
haps a shed,— -the welcome was genial, the fare good, and 
" Kent's Tavern" became an institution where one was sure of 
good cheer; and where he "stopped again." The viands were 
not dealt out on the principle, so manifest at some 'of our 
restaurants, where each waiter seems to tliink he is a priest, 
administering the sacrament. The table was " heaped " with 
what was good, and the beaming landlord, having cut the 
meat into huge slices, would say, "Lay to, and help your- 
selves, gentlemen and ladies; no ceremony here." It seemed 
to be his delight to feed the hungry. The greater their appe- 
tites, and the faster his victuals disappeared, the more beam- 
ing was his look. He loved to see his guests enjoy them- 
selves, and the long breath of perfect satisfaction and full- 
ness, as they withdrew from the table, was music to his ear. 

Kent, the bountiful, soon passed away, with many blessings 
on his head, and his widow (as widows often do) married 
again. But she didn't leave the house. 'No. She and her 
husband, Peter McNaughton, still kept up the establishment, 
which became as famous as " McNaughton's " as it had been 
as " Kent's." 

This tavern is a thing of memory. The opening of other 
lines of travel caused the Battle Creek trail or road to be 
deserted, and the tavern died the death of the righteous. 

After a while, one after another, dropped in the settlers 
who came to live from the soil. Kent had fed the hungry, and 
lodged the weary; his residence alone breaking the monotony 
of interminable woods. James Minsy came to raise something 
to feed himself and children, in 1839. Soon followed Orse- 
mus Rathbun, Lyman Gerold, Iliram McNiel, Eber Moffit, 
Peter MclSTaugliton, Levi Tobey, John Sinclair, Henry Jack- 
son, and Warren S. Hale. The exact date of the advent of 
each is not known, neither is it important. Some of them 
were after 1840. The names already given are probably all 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 193 

who were in Caledonia and Bowne, at the thne of its organi- 
zation as a town. For a immber of years but few came to 
stay, though many passed that road, for it was on the '' Battle 
Creek Stage Route." Fancy not, gentle reader, tliat this " stage 
route"" was a smooth McAdam road, with its toll-gate ojice in 
ten miles. It "was merely a trail in the wilderness, with liere 
and there an otherwise impassable place made passable. The 
stage was a heavy wagon, covered with painted cotton cloth. 
The road was dotted at long intervals by the settler's cabin. 
There were Gull Prairie, Slater's Indians and Yankee Springs, 
on the way; as for the rest, it was "timbered lands" and 
" openings." Yet this was tlie "• thoroughfare " until the open- 
ing of the Kalamazoo Plank Road, In 1852. Then the genial 
landlord, Lewis, at Yankee Springs had to go to the Legisla- 
ture, or be forgotten; for his famous log tavern was deserted 
Then the McNaughton house ceased to pay. Campau, and 
the other drivers cracked their whips for the last time; and 
looked to some business other than driving and tipping over 
stages, for a living. 

Many are the adventures on that route; our own among the 
number. Among others we note that of our fellow citizen, 
II. P. Yale. lie went to sleep on the way, and in the midst 
of his pleasant dreams, the stage gave a lurch and landed him, 
heels up, head and shoulders in the mud. He gathered up 
the fragments of himself, rubbed the mud from his eyes, and 
laughed, of course. At another time the driver had the honor, 
in a dark night, of tipping into a mud-hole, John Ball, j\trs. 
T. B. Cliurch and her bab}' Fred. Fred came near being 
drowned, or smothered in the mud; and then the country would 
have lost an embryo soldier, who was too proud to accept office, 
though commissions were thrust upon him; and ai't would 
liave lost one, whose quaint conceits are a part of the S2:)irit of 
Harper. Our own adventures on the route might be passed, 
as perhaps of every day occurrence — a simple bi"eak-down, 
wdiere a jolly song by Capt. Parks was cut short at the second 
verse; and to this day remains unsung. The driver was the 
same Edward Campau, whose pleasant residence is now where 
he can overlook the scene of that catastrophe. There he, with 

13 



194 MEMORIALS OF THE 

liis fair wife — Yankee Lewis' dangliter— liis cattle and his 
herds, is a well-to-do i\irmer; and is happy to welcome to his 
home tliose whom he tipped over on the Battle Creek road. 
Lomr life to you, Edward! And may your soul never be less 
open, or yonr home less blessed. 

We must, at one I'ell swoop, come down to 1846, when a man 
arrived, who " meant business ;" who, seeing the tine water- 
power afforded by the Thornapple river, determined to 
monopolize that power; and to a great extent he did. Where 
he saw power, he purchased the land. His name was William 
H. Brown. Among his doings was putting up the iirst saw- 
mill; and, in company with W. S. Hale, the first grist-mill; 
around which has sprung up the village. of Alaska. Brown 
laid out the village in 1860. 

This Mr. Brown had an adventure, which, at the time, he 
wished he was well out of. Keturning in the winter from his 
possessions in Caledonia to his home in Middleville, in a 
nio-ht of darkness and storm, he got lost. In the snow 
he lost the trail; and had no way but to leave his pony 
to its instincts. But he soon found himself sinking into 
that sleep which is the precursor of death from cold. He 
'dismounted, and walked backward and forward until morn- 
ing, to keep himself alive. With the coming of light, he 
trusted to his horse; for he, himself, had no idea of direc- 
tion. His horse took him to Green Lake. There he was 
tracked, and found by those who searched for him, expecting 
to find him dead. We are not told what vows of reform he 
made in this dismal journey, but it is presumed that they 
•were many and sincere. ISTeither are we told that he had any 
evil ways to reform. But how natural it is in trouble to think 
■over all our sins, promising reformation, if s])ared, with time 
effectually to repent. Who ever knew of a blaspheming repro- 
bate, who did not pray and promise, when he saw death look- 
ino- him rio-ht in the face? And who ever knew the halter 
to press the neck of one who had not reformed and become a 
a saint? What a good thing is danger to bring sinners to 
their knees! A pious negro woman had in vain tried to make 
lier little woolly -headed sinner of a son say his prayers. But 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY, 195 

the reprobate would sing " Jim along Jos}-," instead of, with 
eyes closed and clasped hands, saying " Now I lay me down to 
sleep." She had exhorted him, whipped him, prayed at hinu 
scolded him, and tanglit him to say his prayers; but he 
wouldn't pray, and she was forlorn. One day she heard him 
screaming, and running to the door, she saw the old cow had 
him between lier horns, butting him against the fence, and he 
wns screaming in his fright "O Lordy! O Lordy!" She 
clapped her hands with delight, and said "Bress de Lord! 
the old cow has brought him to his prayers," and left the cow 
to finish his conversion in her own way. History does not 
tell whether Johnny became a saint; but it is to be presumed 
he did; and that he was swung into heaven at the end of a 
rope. 

The village of Alaska has been mentioned as an outgrowth 
from the enterprise of Mr. Brown. It is where it may be con- 
siderable of a place, and it has already made a ftxir beginning. 
The water-power is first-rate, and is capable of further develop- 
ment. The water can be used several times in a short 
distance. As years pass on, Michigan will turn her attention 
more to manufactures, and then the Thornapple will be dotted 
with Yankee notion factories; and Alaska do business in a 
thousand of the gimcracks that are the wealth, of the land of 
wooden nutm-egs and steady habits. 

There is a Baptist church at Alaska, and a Methodist church 
in the central part of the town. 

The G. R. Yalle}^ Railroad crosses the southwest corner of 
the town. A small villao;e is there, which has made a beijin- 
ning in the way of using the power at its disposal. 

On the farm of Ed. Campau is a noted beaver-dam, which 
once made a pond of several acres. The dam is in two parts; 
one eighty and the other sixty yards in length. Its height 
was apparently three feet or more. By the rotting of the 
material, and the trampling of cattle, it is now a simple ridge 
of earth, a foot or UKjre in height. It is built on a spring 
marsh. Near the middle of the dam is a kind of island of 
solid earth. Taking the height of the dam on that, and 
where at the ends it is on solid earth, the general height must 



196 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

liave been about three feet. This o:reat work of beavers is 
not near as long as the one in Tyrone, but it was a " big 
thing" for so small animals to build. 

CANNON. 

Until 1846 Cannon was identified with Plainfield, being in 
no haste to assume independent existence. Its population at 
that time was near 300. The village of Cannonsburg had 
been^named before; and the town took its name from the 
founder of the villaixe. The L^i>'Islature gave the name 
Olmrchtown, which the town never assumed, but organized 
under the self-assumed name of Gannon, the first Monday in 
.Vpril, 1840. The first meeting was at the house of Cornelius 
Slaght; 64 voters. 

Supervisor, Andrew Watson; Clerk, Henry H. Worden; 
Treasurer, Louis D. Dean; Justices, Harlow T. Judson, John 
Bishop, Denias Hine, Jarred Spring. 

Settlement commenced in the town in 1837. Andrew Wat- 
son and A. D. W. Stout were the first to locate. In 1838, Isaac 
Tomlinson put in his appearance; and in 1839, Wm. M. Mil- 
ler. The real settlement of the town, however, dates from 
1840. Tiie few scants, before mentioned, had opened the way, 
and this year -se tiers in numbers followed, among whom (if 
they were not the whole) were James Thomas, Ethiel Whitney, 
Zebulon Rood, Japhet Gil man. In 1841 were added, Henry 
M. Miller, Ebenezer Smith, Samuel Steele, Oliver Lovejoy, the 
Ivev. Mr. Frieze. 

In the few succeeding years we find, Ames Griswold, 
John Ilartwell, James Dockery, Loyal Palmer, Martin John- 
son, Cornelius Wample, Wm. C. Young, John C. Chapman, 
Ilobert Howard, Major Worden, Mindrus Whitney, Thomas 
B. Young, Sidney S. Ilaskins, II, E. McKee, John French, 
brothers Richard, Abram, William and Eli Lewis, Leonard 
S. Young, Jared Spring, Joseph Lameraux, John Rogers, 
Smith Bailey, Harrison Pitcher, Philip Thomas, Zeph Adams, 
Thomas Hall, Norman Aikley, Smith Bailey. 

Of these, the monuments in the cemeteries say — Died: 

William Lewis, 1853, aged 38 years. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 197 

Ilarlow T. Judson, 1865, aged 02 years. 

Hugh E. McKee, 1855, aged 44 years. 

Joseph Lameranx, 1858, aged 58 years. 

Sidney S. Ilaskins, 1854, aged 47 years. 

John Hart well, 1872, aged 77 years. 

Demas Hine, 1872, aged 06 years. 

The village of Cannonsburg owes its first existence to E. T>. 
Bostwick, who, as agent of LeGrand Cannon, an Eastern man 
who owned large tracts of land in the town, in 1843, made 
preparations for erecting a mill, platted a village, and put up a 
few log houses. This Bostwick has left his name in more than 
one place in Kent county, and to the credit of Cannon they 
have given it to one of their beautiful lakes. To manage the 
business, and build the mill, came Sidney Haskins; Harlow T. 
Judson as millwright, Samuel Jones as boss of the concern, 
and Cornelius Slaght. Ilaskins was the first one who cut 
down a tree at the place. A log house was built for him 
and his family. In the spring a small frame building was put 
up for a store and dwelling (now the back part of Ellis' storeY 
Before that the log store had also been the residence of Slaght 
and Ilaskins, and their families, each having one room. Close 
quarters, but that was the best the place afibrded, and it be- 
hooved them to be content. 

As an inducement to settlers, lots were given to those who 
would improve them. The blacksmith put up his shop there; 
the shoemaker came; the carpenter built his house there; a 
doctor there displayed his sign. A school-house -svas located 
there. A lawyer came and looked — thought there were not 
people enough to make their quarrels profitable to him, and 
located at Grand Rapids. In fine, a little, snug village scat- 
tered itself on the hills around the mill and modest store. At 
present they are left out in the cold by the railroads, those all- 
controlling directors of the destinies of places. Yet they have 
hopes from a railroad that is in their mind's eye; and then — 
and then — they hope to put on airs ! They have a fine, steady, 
but limited water-power, which is capable of being much fur- 
ther developed. They have a beautiful and varied site; fine, 
romantic surroundings; and they are not without hope. In 



198 MEMORIALS OF THE 

the village are a good union scliool-liouse, a Methodist and a 
Congregational church. 

The aforesaid LeGrand Cannon, after whom the town was 
named " Cannon," presented the town a cannon, as his thank- 
oft'ering for the compliment paid him in naming the town 
" Cannon." And ever since, the inhabitants of Cannon, in all 
their jubilations, cause that cannon to wake the eclioes of the 
town of Cannon. 

" JSTevertheless," (as 11. W. Beecher said,) the greatest beaut}"" 
of the town is in her unrivaled lakes. The two — Silver Lake 
and Bostwick Lake — for their crystal waters and beach-like 
shores, may challenge comparison with anything of the kind 
in the world. To see them is to admire. The shade of Bost- 
wick cannot but be well pleased that this lake is his memento 
on earth; and my shade, when 1 shall have become a shade, 
would rejoice could the name of the other be called its name 
and memento. O ye Cannonburgers, cause that to be true, 
and I will give you a bigger putf than your cannon gives you 
on the 4th of July. Yes, indeed; I will soar into poetrj^ 

Less beautiful lakes than these are Loch Lomond and Loch 
Katrine, that so often have waked the poet's song; and a far 
less beautiful one near Grand Bapids is the pride of the place, 
a fashionable resort, and the center of their rural pleasures, 
When that railroad cornes along, the lakes of Cannon will 7iot 
be merely boundaries of farms, places to winter horses and to 
catch fish. 

CHURCHES IN CANNON 

Cong-regational at Steele's Corners. Organized in 1847, by Rev. J. Ballard 
and Dea. Page, with ten members. 

Smith Bailey and hi.s wife, Eunice, Parnielia Pitcher, Chloe Scott, Samuel 

H. Steele and Mary, his wife, Stone and wife, John Campbell, Harlow 

T. .Tudaon. 

The preachers have been, Revs. Isaac Barker, two years; Geo. Overheiser, 
two years; Jehiel H. Hard, five years; Daniel Sessions, two years; James 

Ballard, five years; Evarts, two j^ears; Danforth Eaton, four years. 

Present preacher, Wm. Irons, since 1872. 

The church, o2 by 48, was built and dedicated in 1853. 

Present membership, 51; just having dismissed 15 to form a new church 
at Cannonsburg. 

The Methodict Church at Steele's Corners was first started as a class, in 



GEAND KIVER VALLEY. 199 

1843, of four members: Johnson and wife, Ebenezer C. Smith and Sally 

M., his v/ife. The church, 30 by 40, was built and dedicated in 1853. Pres- 
ent membership, about 40. 

INCIDENTS. 

In 184:2 or 1813, Mr. Seth Lockwood built a large barn in 
Courtland. To raise it, it was necessary to muster the whole 
force of three townships — Courtland, PlainlielJ and Cannon.. 

Mr. James Thomas built the first barn in Cannon. When 
the first bent was partly raised, it came to a dead stand. They 
could not raise it with the force they had, and they dared not 
let it down. They made out to prop it where it was. By 
chance two men came along, and with them as a reinforce- 
ment, they put it np. 

A. trip to Grand Rapids was a three days' affair. 

In 1840, Mrs. Gilman was confined, Mr. Gilman rode two 
days to get a girl, in vain. Wherever he went all were sick 
with ague; general suffering — not well ones enough to take 
care of the sick. He, while seeking for help, often had to min- 
ister to the immediate wants of others — to give a cup of water, 
etc. 



" On a circle of stones they placed the pot^ 

A circle of stones but barely nine; 
They heated it red and fiery hot, 

'Til the bui-nished brass did glimmer and shine. 
They rolled him up in a sheet of lead — 

A slieet of lead for a funeral pall; 
Then plunged him into the caldron red. 

And melted him — head and bones and all." 

The practical application of the above sublime quotation is 
wot patent to the general reader, but the sln-ewdly wise will 
see it. 

COURTLAND. 

The settlement of this town is peculiar. A colony of 
eleven well-educated men in 1838 selected this town as tlieir 
place of residence. One of their number. Barton Johnson, 
came ahead as an explorer. The rest soon followed with their 
families. Their names were: Philo Bears, Barton Johnson, 



200 MEMORIALS Oi*' THE 

Benjamin Botsford, John Austin, Wm. R. Davis, John Bar- 
h)w, Alexander Dean, Sabin Johnson, Tliomas Addison, 
Anson Ensign and Irani Barney. 

They located their hinds contiguous to each other. They 
organized the town and resided several years alone — a happy, 
social and moral community. They had enough for fraternity, 
enough for society, and enough for a school. They Avere at 
home in each other's houses, and prided themselves in each 
other's good name and character. But the intruding stranger 
would come in, among whom we have gathered the following: 
Rice Austin, Loren Austin, Philo Austin, ]^elson Miles, 
Chauncey Parker, Philip Becker, Henry Barlow, David 
Ilaynes, John Carlyle, Horace Colbj-, James Ivingin, Jacob 
Snyder, Morgan Hunting, George Shank, Joseph Davis, 
Amasa Sqniers, "Wm. H. Myers, Ahnaii Thompson, Horton 
Rounds, I^athan Rounds, AVilliam Rounds, Lenas B. White. 
Alfred Stilwell, Calvin Thompson. 

Perhaps some others were of as early a date as some of 
these. 

Of the original company: 

Philo Bears, who organized the band in Washtenaw county, 
stayed about ten years, and went to Grand Traverse, where he 
died. 

Alexander Dean wa^ an enterjjrising farmer, and a good 
man. He died in 1871 — aged 78 years. 

Barton Johnson has been a leading official man, and still 
graces the town with his living ]ji-esence. 

Sabin Johnson, after living like a good citizen in Court- 
land until about 18G0, moved to Roekford, where he died, 
three or four years after. 

Sabin Johnson, Jr., followed in the footsteps of his worthy 
father, and died about '54. A good, uj)i-ight man. 

Thomas Addison, having lived the life of a good man, died 
in 1875, aged 67 years. 

Benjamin Botsford became insane and died in the poor 
house. 

Anson Ensign died in 1854, aged 49. 

Irani Barnes lives in Nelson. 



CiRAND RIVKR VALLEY, 201 

Wm. R. Davis lives just on the line in Oakficld. Those, 
who, in that region don't know him, don't know much. 

John Barlow was accidentally shot at Plainlield. 

Mrs. Barton Johnson was the first white woman in town. 

It is a little douhtful who taught the first school. It is 
claimed for three — John Davis, John Austin and Emily DcaTi. 
Miss Dean kept a school for a time in a shanty. She was fol- 
lowed by Amanda Loomis and Harriet Patrick. Miss Dean 
is the wife of John Austin of Courtland. ]\Jiss Loomis is in 
San Francisco. Miss Patrick died uhout IbTO. 

The pioneer ])reacher was the otherwise menti(^ned James 
Ballard. About the same time tiie zealous young Methodist 
preacher, Frieze, came among the people and nia<le this tcjwn 
a part of his mission. 

In ISGO, the town was the scene of a fiendish murder, which 
excited the community at the time. One Durfee, who had 
been living in Ohio, had a paramour, with whom he had lived 
some years. He came with her and her child to Grand 
Rapids, where he hired a livery team, and they went on a ride 
in the rural towns. Having come into a secluded ])lace by 
the side of one of the lakes in Courtland, he strangled her 
with a rope, dragged her into the bushes, left the child near a 
house; returned the team, and disappeared. The child was 
found nearly famished; the murdered^woman discovered; the 
case skillfully worked up; Durfee tracked out, arrested, tried, 
and sent to prison, where he is said to have died. Durfee was 
a fiend; and nuirked as such. The child is adopted into a 
worthy family in the town; and thinks himself their son. 
The name of his foster parents will not here be given, as we 
do not wish to dispel the illusion of the boy, whose good for- 
tune it was that his mother was murdered. 

.The town was organized in 1S39. Supervisor, Philu Bears; 
Clerk, Thomas Addison; Treasurer, David Haines; Justice, 
John Austin. 

It was customary in the early settlement, at first U* 
unite several townships and organize them as a town. One and 
another would soon be set oflf. Courtland was shorn of all its 
dependencies, and reduced to its present limits in 184G. In 



202 MEMORIALS OF THE 

1848, by a legislative blunder, it was reorganized with Oak- 
lield, under the name of Wabesis. Its status was restored by 
the next Legislature. 

I'rom the cemetery and other sources we glean of those who 
have passed away: 

Mary, wife of Joseph Ilaynes, died in 1857, aged 91. 

Noel Stewart, died in 1847, aged 60. 

Lucy, mother of Philo Bears, died in 1841. 

Dr. Ezra Cliaffee, died in 1853. aged 66. 

Annanias Worden, died in 1801, aged 71 — father of Com- 
modore Worden, of Monitor fame. His venerable widow is 
in Grand Rapids. 

Alexander Dean, died in 1871, aged 78. 

Sabin Johnson, Jr., died in 1854. 

John Carlyle, died 1874. 

Wm. Carlyle, died in 1856, aged 51. 

James Kingin, died in 1873, aged 69. 

Morgan Plunting, died in 1868, aged 63.- 

Amasa Squires, died in 1860, aged 65. 

First settled by a fraternal colony, Courtland has not lost 
the character they first gave her. With little for the historian 
to say, it is a good town; as respectable as though she had 
had twenty murders instead of one. Therefore don't think 
yourselves slighted because little is said. 

GAINES. 

Gaines did not take its plase as an independent tojvn until 
1848, having been until that date identified with Paris, after 
the organization of that town in 1839. 

The settlement of the town was at first slow; the same rea- 
sons retarding its occupation that are given in connection with 
Bvron— the heavy timl^er and the prospective hard work in 
fitting the land for cultivation. The growth of timber in 
Gaines was very heavy. Where such is the case, and no value 
is attached to it, it is repellant. 

The old " Gull Road " ran through this township, and the 
earlier occupants located themselves near it. Yet, though the 
town was accessible — ^just on the limits of civilization — but 



GEAND EIVEE VALLEY. 203 

few ventured in. The first is said to have been Alexander 
Clark, in the spring of 1837, who took up land at the part of 
the town since called Kelloggville, The next year added Al- 
exander L. Bouck, and the Kelly brothers, Fostor and Charles, 
JosepliBlaiu, xVndrew Mesnard, Rensalear, his son, and Orson 
Cook. In 1839, Silas Burlington was added to the little 
number. 

1840, added: R. E. Jones, Thomas Blain, and IVm. H. 
Budlong, With those three families the town was stationary 
for some years. Wm. Kelly came in the fall of '43. 

We are able further to give as early settlers, without the 
exact date of entry: Bryan Greenman, Stephen A. Hammond, 
R. R. Sessions, Wm. Kelly, Daniel Woodward, John E. Woods, 
James M. Pelton, Peter YanLew, Peter, William and David 
Dias. 

At the organization of the town in 18-i8, the vote was thirty- 
five. There were elected as the principal officers: 

Peter Yan Lew, Suj)ervisor; James M. Pelton, Clerk; 
Charles Kelly, Treasurer; Joseph Blain, Josiah Drake, Robert 
Jones, Justices. 

The pioneer school in the town was taught by Miss Mary 
Darling, in a little building near where stands the "Red 
School House." This was in 1842. She afterwards married 
a Methodist minister, by the name of Glass, and resides in 
Grand Rapids. 

The United Brethern have a flourishing society, and a 
church in the south part of the town. 

The sd'ciety was organized by the Rev. S. C. Buck, in 1858. 
As the result of a protracted meeting, he gathered a band of 
about forty. They held their meetings in school-houses, until 
the erection of their church in 1867: this cost $2,700. The 
society have a parsonage and settled j)astor — the Rev. Mr. 
Mower. Mr. Buck is still resident in the town. The church 
now numbers about seventy. 

The history of the town has few salient points. When we 
look at its splendid farms, we can see its history — the changing 
of the forest — the haunt of bears, wolves, and wildcats — into 
the town as we see it. 



204: MEMOKIALS OF THE 

Since 1870 the town has had i*aih'oad connection by the G. 
R. Yalley Road. A station called '' Ilaniinonds" lias given a 
chance for a business village and a market center. But the 
town may be set down as almost purely agricult\iral, and as a 
farming town it will not suffer hy a comparison with any 
other. 

For two things Gaines will ever be memoral)le: The one the 
motto borne on her banner at the time of the Buchanan Presi- 
dential campaign; and the other, the tact that she was tlie iirst 
town in the State to show that manhood was to be respected for 
its worth, and not its color. For this conquering of deep-rooted 
prejudice, all honor to Gaines. In 1873, Mr. Hardy, a colored 
man, was elected Supervisor. Is not Gaines the pioneer on 
this patli of civilization? 

We might tell "wolf and bear stories" «<:Z infinitum, hut 
who cares for these, unless the interesting fact of somebody's 
being killed by the "varmints," is connected with them. But 
Gaines has no such interesting episodes in her history ; as it was 
in every case the beasts that got killed, and not the men. We 
might tell of Johnny Green catching a wolf-trap with his heel, 
but think we will not, as Johnny is now a portly Justice of the 
Peace, and might be offended should he read the story. 

A reference to the census table, given in the general history, 
will show that Gaines, after 1850, was not slow in tilling up. 
As it is a town that must necessarily be almost exclusively 
agricultural, it may now be considered fully populated, and 
that too, by people who know the value of the soil they occupy, 
and appreciate the town. In some parts there is still tlie 
new appearance; but the evidences of recent settlement are 
fast disajipcaring, and the evidences of thrift and increasing 
wealth meet the observer in every part. 

GRATTAN. 

Grattan was not one of the first settled townshi])s. It had 
remained a part of Vergennes from its organization in 1838, 
imtil 1846, when it was organized as an independent town, 
with a name of its own, given as a compliment to its Irish 
settlers. 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 205 

The first meeting was at the house of Converse Close; 23 
voters were present. Elected: Milton C.AVatldns, Supervisor; 
Volney W. Caukin, Clerk; Erastiis W. Beasoni, Treasurer; 
Samuel IT. Steele, John P. Weeks, AYilliani Burne, Luther B. 
Cook, Justices, 

It was not until 1843, ten years after civilization had been 
imported into the Grand Eiver Yalley, that any one located 
in Grattan, In 1843, a number of Irishmen having left Ire- 
land because it was not a good place for a poor man, and 
haviug woi'ked on the railroads until each had a swelling by 
his side, caused by a wallet with bills in it — a SMclling which 
was the result of hard labor with the shovel ; tired of being 
bossed around by overseers, and thinking that it would sound 
better to be " Mr.," with a farm, than '" Pat," with a shovel, 
bought laud and settled in the south part of Grattan and the 
north of Ada. That is just the way with the jolly sons of 
Erin. Born in a beautiful island across the sea, he early comes 
to the conclusion that that island is a good place for a man who 
is born without a silver spoon in his mouth, to emigrate from. 
He sees no wa)' for a poor man to become a proprietor, and it 
is hard for poverty to maintain self-respect. They have heard 
of a land across the sea, where wages are high and land is 
plenty and cheap. In family council they determine to go to 
tliat land and be respectable. They hoard np their scanty 
earnings until they have secured enough to send one across 
the sea. With many a benediction, Dennis goes. Arrived 
with empty pockets, he takes the first work that offers, which 
is generally on the railroad. With a miser's grip he holds on 
upon his wages. He goes ragged, sleeps in a shanty; but he 
is working for love, and self is forgotten. Soon, counting over 
his little pile, he finds he has enougli to bring over his broth- 
er; and instead of getting a new coat, he sends the money to 
Ireland, and soon has the happiness of welcoming Michael. 
Two of them are digging now; two are receiving pay, and 
two are woi-king for the family. They soon have money 
enough to bring over the rest. Now they feel they can start 
in life. They dig away, they don't pay rent, nor wear fine 
clothes. The;/ live in a shanty, and lay np their earnings 



206 ISIEMORIALS OF THE 

until they can buy them farms. The writer of these memorials, 
years ago, when the D. and M. railroad was in embryo, used 
to pass the gangs of shovelers in Ada, and occasionally crack 
a joke with some of the Irish laborers; seldom without getting 
better than he sent. He did then rather pity the poor fellows, 
who were good for nothing but to dig and vote. But years 
have passed on; the writer's head is whiter, if not wiser. In 
his perambulations, he comes to good farms, painted houses, 
and the accompaniments of thrift and wealth. Going in, ho 
is met at the door by Dennis or Pat, one of his old railroad 
acquaintances; ten or a dozen bright-eyed children of all ages 
are there; an organ is in the parlor, and pictures on the walls. 
That is Irish fashion. Look at Grattan, Ada, and Cascade, 
and see the end of the railroad diggers! Sirs, my hat is off 
— ^your most obedient. I honor the one who made himself. 

It may seem that \ve are far from Grattan, byt we are right 
tliere. The men who first located, as above mentioned, were 
Richard Giles, Dennis McCarthy, William McCarthy, John 
McCarthy, John Sullivan, Morris Scanlan, Michael Kennedy, 
John Delaney, John Brannigan, Frank Murphy, Michael Far- 
rell, William Byrnes, Edward McCormick, Patrick Fingleton, 
Andrew McDonald, Michael Doyle. These came in 1843, or 
soon after. 

In 1844-5, came Luther B. Cook, Wm. Smith, Converse 
Close, Jared Watkins, Henry Green, Anthony King, Yolney 
V. Caukin, David Ford, Ira Ford, Alvah Andrews, Jedediah 
II. AVood, Solomon Tower, Joseph Tower, Sheldon Ashley, 
Milton Watkins, W. S. Fuller, Kehemiah Smith, Alanson 
King, Leonidas Scran ton, John Rogers, ISTedson Holmes, Ed- 
ward Bellamy, Nathan Holmes, Barlow Bartow, Emmons 
Wood. 

Marshall King has the credit of being the first-born of Grat- 
tan, dating from December, 1844. 

Death first knocked at the door of Mr. Springer, and took 
away his five-year-old boy, in the fall of 184G. Four others of 
the family soon followed. Is there fate in it ? If such things are 
"providences," verily the ways of providence are inscrutable. 
Soberer common sense says, the Divine Providence moves bv 



GRAND RIVER VALLET. 207 

a system of wisely harmonized law, under wliicli we come in- 
to existence, live and die; that under tiiis system all "partial 
evil is universal c^ood." 'Tis for the good of the whole that 
we die. Death is neither a penalty, a, eliastisement, an admo- 
nition, nor a curse; why shroud it with superstitious fears, or 
make it the reason for hlaspheming the bountiful Giver of 
Life? 

In newcauntrie3, as in regions of higher civilization, the pro- 
pensity to marry will show itself Human nature exists ip the 
woods a good deal more than it does in cities. In the woods, 
a man finds a wife a good help-mate; he cannot contrive how 
to get along without one. In the city, the man painfully thinks 
wliethcr his finances will allow him to support one. Go past 
a log house in the woods: three or four two-legged boys are 
making a racket out of doors; two or three girls are in the 
house — one tending the baby, the others helping mother. Slie, 
good woman, is up to her elbows in the wash-tnb; barefoot, 
and with her hair over her eyes. Turn up your nose, will you? 
That woman has more soul than three of your fashionable 
belles, who curse children as " incuml)ranccs," and live for — not 
home — but self and " society." That woman will soon tread 
her parlor carpet; better dressed, but no more a lady than now. 
Those boys, too, in her old age — one of them a supervisor, 
another a justice of the peace, and another a congressman — 
will come home at Christmas, and reverently do honor to that 
very woman you sniff at. Shame on you 1 I should think you 
had always lived in a city! 

"We begun to talk about marrying. Well, Converse Close 
and a girl in Grattan talked about marrying; they talked on 
the subject several times, until they could not see each other 
without making it their theme, and would meet specially to 
talk about it. The upshot of the whole was, they concluded to 
get married. But there was a difficulty in the way — there was 
no one near to legalize the deed, and pride forbade them to go 
away to get married; or, modern fashion, get married and run. 

The line of the county was half a mile distant; beyond that 
line, in Otisco, lived Esq. Cook; but out of Ionia county he 
could not go to marry anyone. He met them at the line in 



208 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

the woods, and there — he standing in Ionia county, and they 
in Kent — he made one of the aforetime two — Converse Close 
and Mary Potter. Like sensible folks, they went to their own 
cabin. Tlie next day, he was cutting down trees, and she was 
cooking his dinner, mending his pants, and feeding her pigs. 
They don't live in a log house now; and they have not got 
divorced. 

The first school in town was in a private house, and kept by 
Mis« Mary AVatkins (daughter of Milton W.). The lirst 
school-house was built near the residence of C. Close, in 1847, 
and Converse Close was the first teacher. 

The Union school-house was built in 1867, and cost 83^000. 
Asa Slayton was in it the first principal. Mr. Slayton has all 
his life been a teacher — a thorough teacher, a common sense 
teacher, and no humbug; "there is not a bit of nonsense 
about him.'' lie won't, for popularit^^'s sake, cram for exam- 
inations, and fool people into the belief that their thick-skulled 
progeny, under his inspiring tuition "on the new ])lan," have 
become marvels of scholars. No, that is not Asa Slayton, and 
therefore, he has not got rich by teaching. 

The first school, in which Grattan had a •chance, was in a 
district fractional with Oakfield, on the corner west of section 
1. The house was in Oakfield, about where the church stands. 
Wm. Ashley was the first teacher — in 1846. Mr. Ashley is 
now a lawyer at Grand Rapids. The Miss AYatkins, vspoken 
of above 'as the one who first taught a school in Grattan, is 
now known as Mrs. John B. Colton, of Grand Rapids. 

Grattan Center is a little village that has centered itself 
around the mills, built by Bellamy & Holmes, in 1850. It is 
not essentially different from the many country villages 
that start with a mill. It has become the place where the 
town l)usincss centers — a snug little place — the center of a 
baautiful, wealthy and flourishing town — a town beautifully 
diversified with hills and lakes, fine fsirms and tasteful dwel- 
lings. 

Perhaps no township in all Michigan can boast more 
of those pretty inland lakes and ponds than Grattan, there 
being no less than twenty-four, varying from 30 to 300 acres 



GKAND KIVER VALLEY. 209 

ill extent, besides ponds too nunierons to mention. These give 
<i charm to the scenery. To some of them they have given nn- 
poetic names. They can never be tamoiis in soni^, if condemned 
to be called "Crooked," "Mnskrat," etc. No, they will be only 
^tish-j)onds. Milton AYatkins, Converse Close, and John P. 
Weeks! I appoint yon a committee to give poetical and mnsical 
names to these lakes, and then I, or some other great poet, 
will give them a place in immortal verse; and yonr town shall 
l)e like " Sweet Avon," a beaiitifnl place, existing in the ,halo 
<»f a poetic idea. Bnt I won^t sing of ''Mnskrat Lake." 
The Muse don't stoop so low. Call it Au mfne^ and even the 
lishes in it will be poetical; and the poet, Iiis eyes in a fine 
frenzy rolling, can then sing of its beauties, in deathless 
numbers. These lakes are not plebeian, and should not have 
plebeian names. Tliey are a part of the poetry of landscapes — 
something to remind mankind that the idea of leauty is next 
to that of utility in the Eternal Mind. There is a good deal 
in a name. If I see a beautiful girl, I dislike to hear her 
called Peggy Ann. 

CHURCHES. 
BAPTIST CHURCH, ON THE LINE OF OAKFIELD AND GRATTAN. 

This church was formed by Elder Starkweather, with nine members, set 
off from the church in Otisco. These were: Kinnicum Randall and wife, 
Deacon Morey and wife, Sheldon Ashley and wife, James Wiley and wife, 
iind Mrs. Thomas Reed. 

The church edifice was built in 18G3. 

Its preachers have been the Revs. Starkweather, Roscoe, Coe, Chase, Pres- 
cott. Miller, Monroe, and Buell. 

Two churches have since been set off from this — the White Swan, in 1865, 
and the Grattan, in 1867. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

Father Vizoski, in 1844, established the mission, and was the means of 
liuilding the first chapel, the little building' near the present chui'ch. It was 
a building about 18 by 24 feet. The families mentioned above as the Irish 
settlers in Grattan and Ada. were those whom Vizoski gathei-ed as the nu- 
cleus of the church. Since the death of that sainted missionary, (I call him 
sainted though he has not l)oen canonized), some fifteen differ.-nt priests have 
been in charge. At present, the church is under the care of Father Bernard 
A. Quin, and is perhaps the largest Catholic church in the Valley out of the 
city ofGrand Rapids — embracing 145 famihes, residing in Ada, Grattan, Ver- 
gennes and Cannon. 

14 



210 MEMOEIALS OJT TUE 

They now worship in the third church edifice. The first was the small 
chapel above spoken of. The second was a fine wooden structure, built under 
the management of Father Rievers, at an expense of $S,000, and which wa^ 
burned in 18G9. Not discouraged, they built again, and dedicated, in 1871. 
the noble structure that now stands. Its cost was $12,000. 

Since writing the above, that noble structure has been burned. 

LOWELL. 

The early liistorj of Lowell is tlie history of Yergenne.s, 
The two townships were together organized as Yergennes, and 
continued in that relation until 1848. 

The mouth of the Flat Eiver was one of the points of earli- 
est occupation; and was one of the centers from which settle- 
ment radiated. The several centers were Grand Haven, 
Clraudville, Grand Rapids, Flat Kiver, Ionia, Lyons and Port- 
land. All of these points were occupied in 1836, or before. 

In this article the ^/«&i?/ivy' settlement will be considered. 
In the Tdtiraate arrangement, a part of it constituted the town 
and village of Lowell, and a part remained Vergennes. 

The first white resident near the mouth of the Flat River, 
was Daniel Marsac, who came from Detroit for the purpose 
of trading among the Indians. He did not, until 1831, estab- 
lish a regular trading station. Then he erected a log house 
on the left bank of the Grand River, opposite the mouth of 
Flat River, Marsac remained an Indian Trader, with no 
rights but Indian sufferance until the region was open to set- 
tlement. He then became a settler. 

The real settlement at Flat River, dates from October 13th, 
1836; when Lewis Robinson, Philander Tracy, Sjdvester 
Hodges, Alva Jones, all from Scipio, New York; came up the 
river and located on the town line, two miles northwest of the 
mouth of the Flat River. There was at that time no one resi- 
dent but Marsac, Tracy and Robinson had been there before, 
in July, aiid made their arrangement with the Indians; and 
Tracy stayed awhile to build a house, which he partly completed. 
When the rest came on they finished it. It -was on the right 
1 )ank of the Flat River, forty rods below where now is Halch's 
grist-mill. This house was built partl_y for a store, to be used 
by Rix Robinson, in his trade with the Indians. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 211 

Tlie iinderstaiidiiig witlitlic Indians was, tliat tliey were to 
let Robinson have tlieir old Held, if lie would break up another 
piece for them; and twenty acres of openings were broken up 
for them. 

Robinson and Tracy fenced in about eighty acres, including 
what of the village of Lowell lies on the right bank of Flat 
liiver. Hodges and Jones split the rails. There Hodges set 
the first apple trees; one of which is now (1875,) standing on 
what is owned by Mrs. Caroline Snell. 

Luther Lincoln came the same fall, and located on the left 
bank of Flat River, where Lowell now is. This Lincoln is 
the same one, who was before a pioneer at Granville. The 
same fall came Ebenezer K. Bickford, who started a house, 
but did not bring on his family until the next spring. Mr. 
Bickford stayed but a few years. These are believed to have 
been all who came in 1836. Mr. Llodges alone remains where 
he first located himself; the others having either died or 
moved awa3^ 

In tlieir immediate vicinity, and in intimate relations with 
them were three or four hundred Indians, under an aged chief, 
whose name is variously given as Wobwindego (white giant) 
and Wobskindip. He died that winter, and was succeeded by 
his son Shogwogeno, a young man. Kobmoosa (the walker,) 
who had for wives three sisters of the young chief, was sub- 
chief The chief had three brothers; men of fine presence 
and character — Ashkilbegosh, Acango and Wabesis. 

Quite an inflnx of settlers signalized the year 183T, many 
of whom were transient. With regard to some there is 
doubt as to the date of their advent; the memory of the old 
settlers not altogether agreeing. We can without much hesi- 
tation place in this year: John Thompson, James Thompson, 
Cyrus Bennett, George Bisbee, John Fox, Phillip W. Fox, 
James Fox, Dr. Silas Fallass, John W. Fallass, Caleb Page, 
Thompson I. Daniels, George Brown, Rodney Robinson, 
Lucas Robinson, Lewis Robinson. 

These took up land before it was surveyed. The three Robin- 
sons were brothers of Rix Robinson, and were part of the ship 
load of Robinsons that entered the Grand River in 1835. 



212 MEMORIALS OF THE 

1S3S shows quite an addition to tlie settlement — as far as 
we can gather: Charles jN^ewton, Eliab Walker, Christopher 
Misner, Solomon Lee, Anthony Zerkes, Elder Wooster, Sher- 
man Wooster, Morgan Lyon, William Robinson, Adam Yan 
Deusen, Alfred Yan Densen, Jesse Yan Deusen, Walter Yan 
Densen (blind), Walter Hyler, Jacob Francisco, Wm. B. Lyon, 
Eansom Eolf, Matthew Patrick, Samuel Rolf, Ira A. Danes, 
Albert Smith, Ebenezer Smith, C. A. Lathrop, Samuel Moye, 
Joseph Dieffendorf, Daniel Dieffendorf, David Dieffendorf, 

There will be no attempt further to trace the progress of 
settlement. The town was organized as Yergennes, in 1838. 
Eor ten years the two townships were together. When Lowell 
was organized, the settlement did not cease to be a commu- 
nity, though belonging to two towns. 

The first school in the Flat River settlement, or Yergennes, 
was taught in 1839, by Miss Caroline Baird, in a log house, 
built by the Robinsons. She closed her labors in the school 
by being married in the school house to Mr. Caleb Page. It 
was made a day of general jubilee. They both now sleep witli 
the dead. 

The next school was taught by Miss Maria Winslow, of 
Grand Rapids. She was the daughter of Dr. Winslow — the 
pioneer physician of the A-^alley; and for more than twenty 
vears was known as a highly educated and efficient school 
teacher in Grand Rapids, and the towns around; and many 
are those who will remember her with veneratiori. She is now 
the wife of Heman Leonard, Esq., of Grand Rapids. 

The first preacher in the settlement was Elder Mitchell, a 
Methodist missionary from the Ohio Conference. lie soon 
found himself incompetent to endure the hardships incident to 
his pioneer circuit, and withdrew, to be succeeded by one who 
could endure them— the Rev. Mr. Frieze. Frieze was made 
of the right material for a missionary in the back-woods; with 
a physical constitution that defied labor to fatigue, and a soul 
sin o-ly devoted to his work. He had a circuit from Grandville 
to Cook's Corners, in Otisco. On this circuit he was obliged 
to o-o on foot, generally guided • only by Indian trails; often 
obli<>-ed to camp in the woods at night, when going from 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 213 

station to station, engaged in liis labor of love. Buoyed bj tlis 
desire to ^\'in souls, lie was ready to endure all hardsliips, and 
to endure all privations. At one time, coming to Flat lliver, 
he got lost in the night, and floundering in the swamps, and 
wanderli-g in the woods, his clothes were torn in tatters. 
Emerging at lengtli, hungry and faint, he was ready to preacli; 
but lie was not in decent trim to appear before his back-woods' 
audience. He was sujjplied with clothing, and filled his ap- 
pointment. 

Frieze made his home for a time in Cannon, and is num- 
bered there as one of the first settlers. He is now supposed to 
be in Ohio. Should he come in to the Grand River Yalley, 
many an old pioneer would greet him with a double welcome, 
and a "God bless you. Frieze." It takes faith and godliness 
to preacli on a circuit of forty miles, go on foot, and get no 
pay for it; but not much of either to preach for $5,000 a year, 
in a fashionable church, with the admiring eyes of a thousand 
to keep one in countenance. The poor heretical writer thinks 
he could preach under such circumstances; but such labors as 
those of Frieze, he is afraid he should leave to such as Frieze. \ j\ 

Lowell was set off from Yergennes, and organized as a town, 
April, 1848. The first election was lield at the house of D. 
A, Marvin. The first officers were: 

Cyprian S. Hooker, Supervisor; Timothy White, Clerk; C. 
S. Hooker, Daniel McEvvan, Samuel P. Rolf, Ira A. Danes, 
Justices. 

In 1849, by the Legislature, a bridge was authorized at 
Lowell. 

In 1857, 500 acres of land were appropriated for improving 
Flat River. 

In 1857 the name of the villao;e was chano'ed from Danville 
to Lowell. 

In 1859 an act legalizing the incorporation of Lowell w^as 
passed. (It had before been incorporated by the supervisors.) 

The village never organized under this act of incoriioration. 

In 1861 Lowell x^illage incorporated by the Legislature. 

In 1869 Lowell was authorized to re-survey. 

Such in brief is the legislative history of Lowell. To give 



214c MEMOEIALS OF THE 

it, we have anticipated the history. lieturnins: to the early 
times: A tract of land on the east side of the Flat Eiver had 
heen set apart as University hinds; and had been pre-empted 
l>y Luther Lincoln, who hnilt a log house there, which was 
nsed by Dan. A. Marvin as a tavern. Lincoln sold out his 
claim to Daniel Marsac, who, in 1847, platted it; and, liking 
his own name, called it Dansville. Li 1850, Abel Avery, of 
Ionia, bought out Marsac. As yet Dansville was only a j^aper 
village. In 18-10 Cyprian S. Hooker came from Boston; put 
up the first frame house; and moved his family into it two 
weeks from tlie time he commenced. In 1847 he erected a 
grist-mill, bringing the water in a race. In 1849 he 'built a 
dam across Flat River. He showed the Yankee disposition 
to do something. From his enterprise the village took its 
start. Soon a respectable pnblic house was built by Mr. Avery ; 
and by degrees the place developed, until it has become one 
of the smartest villages that are dotting the "West; the Flat 
lliver is nsed to nearly or quite its full capacity for driving 
mills and machinery. It is a market town for the reg'on 
north and south; doing perhaps as much business as any vil- 
lage of its size in the State. 

As a village it sprung into existence. It was only a ham- 
let, witli its mill, its tavern, its stores, etc., on a small scale 
until the D. & M. Ilailroad was constructed. Then, what 
had been a vision of fancy in the mind of Marsac, Avery, 
and a few others, became a fixed reality — Lowell miisi be a 
market town. Capital was attracted there, and men of enter- 
])rise selected it as their place to achieve fortunes. It did not 
grow up, as grow the villages that surrouned a mill, but sprung 
at once into a form that was based on solid substance. The 
style of building indicates indej^endence, and little of the 
nndve-sliift of many new places. Its blocks of stores would 
do credit to a larger place. Its streets, filled with teams, show 
trade. Its mills and manufacturing concerns give evidence 
of business life. The churches show that religion has a hold 
there, and the well-sustained Union School is evidence that 
intellect and culture are not ignored; and the cosy houses 
bespeak a refined and independent peoule. 



grand river valley. 215 

iiusted's nurseries. 
Ilusted's Nurseries, the largest in Michigan, were begun in 
1862, on one-half an acre of land. In 1863, three acres were 
added. In 1864 Ilusted purchased eighty acres, and set out 
40,000 apple trees, and a small assortment of other fruits. 
From that time lie enlarged rapidly, going into a general 
nursery business, until, in 1872, the nurseries covered 200 
acres of ground, and the sales were $50,000 a year. But it is 
sad to say that when blown up to this size, it "busted," and 
promises not to be so big a thing hereafter. In 1874, the 
property passed from Mr. Ilusted, into the hands of assignees, 
and Mr. Ilusted was left to ruminate on the impropriety of 
doing too big a business. He talks just as the boy does, 
whose father is putting him through a course of sprouts: "I 
never will do so aii'ain." There is such a thino: as doino: too 
big a business. Many a man has to go under because his 
debts are half as much as the amount owed to him. The 
balance sheet shows rich, but stern fact saj's, all is not well, 
that looks well on paper. 

Hatch & Craw's ilouring-mill is a thriving concei'n, and the 
men who own it mean business. 

And we would specially notice the enterprise of the Blodgett 
Brothers, who I'un a snug woolen factory. The making of 
cloth has in general been left to the States further east. We 
send our wool there, and then buy it back in the shape of cloth. 
It is hazardous, away from the manufacturing centers, to in- 
vest capital in cotton or vv'oolen factories, for the reason that it 
is about impossible to get tlie skilled labor necessary to carry 
on the business. Men are unwilling to pnt themselves under 
the power of one company, so that, if discharged, they must 
go without employment, or gr> five hundred miles to seek it. 
For that reason, the manufacture of cotton has not come to us 
at all, and only a small number of woolen factories are in 
Michigan — those generally doing a small business. Knowing 
that those disadvantages attend the woolen manutactnrer in 
Michigan, we look on the man or comijany that starts a pioneer 
factory with S2:)ecial favor; a]id hail their enterprise as we do 



216 MEMORIALS OF THE 

that of the liarclj woodsmau, who opens the way with his ax. 
To invest $1,000,000 in a woolen or cotton factory at the East 
is only a bnsiness enterprise — an investment of capital. The 
man or company, that does it, is on a par witli those who put 
np immense saw-mills in the pine regions of Michigan. Tlie 
old Indian Mill at Grand Rapids, which would, with its clumsy 
sash, cut 1,000 feet of boards in a day, was a thing for history 
to commemorate; the bigger concerns that followed, are looked 
on only as things of business. The day will come when the 
Grand Elver region will be dotted with cotton and woolen 
manufactories; when the Grand, the Flat, the Rogue and the 
Thornapple rivers will be utilized? and the whirr of the spin- 
dle and the clack of the loom will enliven the cities and vil- 
lages on their banks. God speed you, Blodgett, in your at- 
tempt to prove that Michigan may manufacture, as well as 
raise, its wool. 

It is true that all good things do not come at once. The 
saw-mill is the pioneer. Immediately follows the indispensa- 
ble grist-mill. Then come manufactures in wood; and, as the 
evidence that a higher plane is reached, of the textile fabrics, 
and articles of luxury and taste. Michigan is still a young 
State, and has not reached her highest development; but, like 
John Brown's soul, she is "marching on." 

The grave historian may stoop from his dignity, and speak 
of trifles light as air, for the amusement of the gay. But no 
apology is made for this little story of Rodney Robinson of 
early times: 

In 1837, Robinson went to Kalamazoo for bread stuff, lie 
stayed over night at Yankee Springs. Many other teamsters 
were there, and also a minister. Yankee Lewis had a large 
lire-place, and the wood had burned down, leaving a great bed 
of coals. Before going to bed they had prayers, and as they 
were getting ready to retire, a big bully, by the name of Scott, 
seized Rodney's dog and threw him upon the coals, evidently 
to pick a quarrel. Rodney seized S?ott, and Scott followed 
dog. The company cheered, and the minister said, "Amen; 
'God bless you!" Scott w^as badly burned, but seeing the eye 
of Rodney, was not at all dis]K)3ed to try his revenge. II(^ 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 217 

said — " Guy Elvers! I did not suppose tliere was a man here 
who could do that." Eobinson said — "I did.' Scott felt 
light, but concluded to let out the job. We hope the lesson 
was remembered by the bully, and that a wholesome fear af- 
terwards would arise in his mine, lest the dog he would injure, 
should prove to be "a spaniel." 

Young as Lowell is, it has had its centenarian, in the per- 
son of Mrs. Lucky, mother of Mrs. Patrick. She died, aged 
lOB. Her portrait was taken when she was 100. 

In contemplating these rare specimens of humanity, who 
outlive their generation and themselves, we can see the full 
beauty of the language of a Shenandoah chief, who said: "I 
am an aged hemlock. The winds of an hundred winters have 
whistled through my branches; I am dead at the top. Why 
I alone of all my kindred remain, the Great Spirit only 
knows." But, — 

Life's long waking ended. 
She sweetly sleeps at last. 

NELSON. 

Nelson was one of the last towns organized in Kent county, 
being content to remain a ^_?«7'^ of a double town, until she 
had men enoufich to fill the town offices, without givino: each 
man an office, and the best man two or three. Instead of 
claiming to be of age when a dozen voters could be mustered, 
she waited until she had fifty-four. The town was set off, and 
named by the Board of Supervisors, Oct. 13th, 1854. It was 
organized at the house of Charles II. Leake, April 2d, 1855, 
with the following officers; 

Supervisors, Geo. Iloyle; Clerk, Geo. !N". Stoddard; Treas- 
urer, Charles H. Leake; Justices, Simpson Anderson, Samuel 
Punches, Harlow H. Stanton. 

It matters little who were the pioneers of I*^elson. The first 
use of the town was to rob it of its pine, of which it had an 
abundance. Stripped of that, it was hot inviting. Its settle- 
ment and its enterprise have been governed by pine. That is 
disappearing, and the second class of enterprise is developing 



218 MEMORIALS OF THE 

itself — that of making homes and farms on the stripped pitie 
lands. It is a laborious business; but it is to be observed 
that where soil is, man will cultivate it. AYhere there is 
a chance, a man will live. The pioneer picks out tlie best 
land, if he has brains and judgment; he holds on upon it, 
clears it up, and gets rich, of course. "What is left is taken 
afterwards by those, who do not choose to lead a hermit life 
in the backwoods, until their cliildren have grown up as wild 
as the beasts in the woods around them. There is the scliool- 
house, where his children can be taught; the church, where he 
and his can worship; society, that he can enjoy; and a piece 
of — not the best, but still fair — land, where he can make him 
a farm. He does not look for future wealth, but fur a 
respectable home, and he achieves his wish. The writer, in 
search of knowledge, found himself in ]S^elson. Being some- 
what weary with his ramblings, he stopped by the road-side 
to chat with a man past middle age, who, with his son, was 
clearing up a piece of stripped pine land. He pitied the old 
gentleman, as he looked at the frightful array of stumps, that 
must be eradicated, before his land could have a decent 
appearance. He sat down on a log, lit his pipe, and having 
cast a sympathizing glance at the man and his son, began to 
condole with them. But he soon found that he had better 
spend his sympathy on those, who, like himself, feel they are 
wise on subjects they have never investigated — a great class, 
Nvho are hard to argue with. It is generally found to bo true, 
that peo23le who have an opinion on a suliject they know 
nothing of, are satisfied with very feeble arguments to snp- 
])i)rt it. The present philosopher found the man was glad to 
have secured for himself and fomily the ov/ncrship of that 
land, and gave the reasons, above shown, for securing if. 
'•He could get a living on it, and they were among folks." 
The result was that the traveler, as he rose from the log, 
rested from his fatigue, was prepared to proceed on his waj-, 
a wiser man. Hence the profound philosophical reflections 
above. He dctci-niines that henceforth he will not pity those 
who do not feel their grief. 

It is now believed that Wm. II. Bailey, who came in July, 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 219 

'51, was tlie first settler in the town. He was soon followed 
by John S. Jones and some fifty otliers. Had thev come in 
when civilized man was far away, we would have lianded down 
a dozen of the first, as venerated pioneers. But as it is, a citi- 
zen of Nelson must have done something besides "locate" 
to be deemed worthy of historical mention; he mnst commit 
some startlinf^ crime; have done some noble deed, or "Here 
lies Mr. Blank " on a g-ravestone, will in coming years be all 
the proof that he ever lived. Then rouse ye, you people of 
Xelson, or yon will be food for oblivion. Do things worth 
remembering, and tlie future historian will render you im- 
mortal. 

The village of Cedar Springs is partly in N^elson, and its 
history is the leading part of the history of the town; that 
will occupy a separate article. 

CEDAR SPRII^GS. 

Cedar Springs, so named from the fine springs, bordered by 
a cedar grove, owes its existence as a village to no Providen- 
tial distinction, but to the will of two men, who said: " Here 
shall be a village; here shall be a county seat, and a business 
center." One of these men is the same 'N. R. Hill who now 
dispenses justice in the village he has founded, and who smil- 
ingly walks the streets, as though he knew he was appreciated 
— a man, whom sinners fear, and whom saints respect. As he 
is still in his prime, we will not write his eulogy. But the 
day may come, when, as in venerable age he takes the air, the 
Cedar Springers will doif their beavers as lie passes along, 
recognizing the sagacity that pointed to the location, the wis- 
dom that fostered the rising place, and the modesty, that did 
not name it Hillopolis. 

The other lather of Ce:lar Springs is Benjamin Fairchild, 
who platted the part of the village that lies in the township 
of Solon. He was very influential in getting settlers, and in 
securing the railroad. We are sorry to record the fact, that in 
those operations, instead, as he should, of making a fortune, 
he lost one. But as long as Cedar Springs has an existence, 
Fairchild will not be forgotten. 

These two men, having determined that a place should arise 



220 MEMORI.VLS OF THE 

on tlieir land, platted tlieir swamp, and invited occupation by 
givini»; alternate lots to those who would build. The few wise 
ones who looked on, put their thumbs on their noses, and 
winked with the left eye. But they knew, as the railroad was 
coming north, a place must be built up somewhere about there; 
it might as well be in tlieir swamp as anywhere. By giving 
lots or selling for a song, and giving credit for that, they 
accomplished their end. Cedar Springs is a place, but those; 
who founded it, have to work for a living. 

But few people located at Cedar Springs until the railroad 
was completed to that place. For a time it was the terminus; 
and it sprung immediately into importance. Mills, for the 
making of lumber, sprung up as if by magic in the region 
around; and the lumber interest, centering there, became 
immense. It is now a lumbering town, there being forty-live 
saw-mills within five miles of the village. This lumber iinds 
its exit by the railroad, and is tributary to the business of 
Cedar Springs. 

Resting, as it does, on lumber, the place will continue to 
prosper as long as the lumber lasts. It will by that time be, 
like Ionia, the central place of a region; the market-town; and 
as they confidently expect, the county seat of a new county, 
whose center is about there. They have failed thus far to 
secure the new county, but probably will in time succeed. 

Considering the short existence of Cedar Springs as a place 
of ajiy importance, we cannot but commend the public spirit 
that has established lier excellent graded school, and erected 
her noble school-house — perhaps the best in the county out of 
Grand Rapids; that has built her two churches — the Baptist 
and the Methodist; and that is so persistently pushing the 
project of a new county. 

Cedar Springs was incorporated in 1871. The first election 
under the charter was held at the house of B. Fairchild; ad- 
journed to the office of John Tlietge, April 2d; when and 
w^here the following wei'e elected its officers: 

Benjamin Fairchild, President; Joseph II. Maze, Ivecorder; 
E. P. Ilayes, Treasurer; Edward C. AVamsley, Jacob Bickart, 
Geo. W. Hogle, Johnson, R. Kromer, M. Slosson, Trus- 
tees. 



GEAXD PaVER VALLEY. 221 

Tlie village is built of wood, and invites the lire-fiend. Let 
tliem take warnin<^ from Muskegon. 

The "Wolverine Clipper*' has been rendered conspicuous by 
the indestructible Maze. 

A Masonic lodge is there, wise in the lore of Solomon and 
Hiram Abiif. And above all, at Cedar Springs the people have 
faith in themselves. AVhen making our formal bow to them, 
we shall wish them God-speed. 

Miss Clarinda Stillwell is accredited as being the first teach- 
er — summer of '.57. She is now Mrs. Leathers, and resides in 
Illinois. 

She was followed by Prof. Bicknell and wife. Bicknell was 
afterwards County Superintendent of Schools; now resides, as 
a farmer, near Cedar Springs. 

The next was Anna Lot. She was tlie first in the county to 
get a State certificate. She now flourishes in Alpine, as Mrs. 
(Jhauncey Field. 

Then followed Jenny Lane, a teacher of rare excellence, win- 
ning hearts, and controlling by genuine respect. Slie has j>assed 
from earth. 

Professor Charles Borst had charge of the school one year, 
assisted by his wife, Miss Maud Lane, and others. 

The first school-house was a shanty; the second a good 
frame building for sixty scholars; the third, which was opened 
Jan. 1st, 1873, is a noble structure, worth $20,000. 

Cedar Springs believes in education. 

BAPTIST CTXXmCJI. 

Organized Feb. 12tli, 18o9, with 29 members. Had no settled pastor until 
Nov., IHGS, when the Rev. A. Wellman became pastor. He stayed but a 
short time. la April, IS'A, Rev. N. Stillwell took charge, and remained un- 
til Oct., 1867; during which time the chm'ch increased to 84. Rev. Charles 
< >!dSeld took charge Oct. 31st, 1867, and remained until June. 1870; during 
which time a hou.se of worship was erected, costing about $4,000, and the 
membership became 105. He was followed, for ten months, by Rev. J. G. 
Spooner; who was succeeded bj' the Rev. J. Payne (before a_. I since of the 
order of United Brethren). In October, 1872, the Rev. Mr. Oldfield again 
took charge, and remains. Membership, 144. 

OAKFIELD. 

Oakfield commenced its political existence as a town in 1849. 



222 MEMORIALS OF THE 

It had before been a part of Courdand. The first town meet- 
ing was held at the school-house, known as the " White Swan" 
school-honse. The first town officers were; 

Thomas Spencer, Supervisor; Harry McArthur, Clerk; 
Harry Osgood, Treasurer; Harvey D. Pond, David J. Gilbert, 
Wm. M. Gould, Thomas Spencer, Justices. 

In the first organization of towns, the township, where there 
is a settlement, was constituted a town, with several sparselv 
settled or vacant townships attached, so that they in their 
infancy might not be entirelj^out of the world and in the cold. 
Oakfield had been in this relation to Courtland. It claimed 
to be of age in 1847, and petitioned to be set oif and author- 
ized to do business for itself. But, by a legislative blunder, 
Courtland and Oakfield. were reorganized under the name of 
Wabesis; and as Wabesis they existed together two years. 
Pity one of them had not retained the well chosen name. In 
1849 the error was rectified, and T. 9 N., K. 9. ^Y., started lier 
independent existence, under the not bad name of " Oakfield." 
It was not, how^ever, exactly independent existence, for T. 10 
^. was still considered juvenile, and left temporarily under the 
maternal guardianship of Oakfield, 

The first white man who made the place glad with his smile, 
or caused it to groan under the strokes of his ax, was our jolly, 
whole-hearted, genial friend (they all call him friend), Wm. P. 
Davis. He is there yet — a little older— but just as much of 
a boy as ever; cannot speak without raising a laugh; is every- 
body's uncle; and, (may he live forever,) everybody's friend. 
God bless your genial old soul, Davis, and be hanged to you! 
if you are not a regular old game-cock! May your family 
never run out, (there is a little prospect of it,) and your name 
ahvays be — Wm. li. Davis! 

Davis came from Madison Co., N. Y., having temporarily 
resided at Sharon, AVashtenaw Co. His advent in Oakfield was 
June 5th, 1838. He had with him his wife and child, and 
enough of the world's goods to supply until crops could be 
raised. He " pegged aM^ay" in the wilderness alone with his 
wife and baby for a year; whistling for company, when alone 
he sw^uns: his ax, or hunted the o^rizzlv — no, brown-nosed 



GRAND RIVER VALLKT. 2^3 

bear; when, lo and behold, some neighbors came — Isaac Tower, 
Wm. Thornton, and Stephen Tower. These four, with their 
families, were the sole residents in the town until 184:2, when 
Thomas Crinnion (a son of Erin) and the Hev. David I. 
Gilbert put in their appearance. Stationary again for two 
years, when Sheldon Ashley was added to the little community. 
Mr. Ashley deserves more than a passing notice. Having 
some means, he had soul enough to know that the world was 
not for him alone. Soon settlers came in greater numbers; 
many having no proj^erty, and suffering hardship. Mr. Ash- 
ley was their friend in need, helping them along, sympathiz- 
ing with them; trusting them until they could help them- 
selves. Mr. A. is still an honored resident, and will not thank 
the historian for blazoning his deeds. But if he is vexed, it 
cannot be helped. History deals in deeds and not in feelings. 
When a light is kindled it is not proper to cover it with a half 
bushel. His neighbors tell stories about him, and he does not 
try to live down their reports. 

Ashley's brother Abner came with him. He now lives in 
Greenville. 

Several families came in 1845, as far as we can gather, 
Benjamin Potter, who is still resident. He can beat the 
best man in telling a sto-ry. If not happy himself, he has 
enlivened many an hour for others. Benedicite ! 

Gabriel Stevens; still lives in his old place; not very old; 
minds his own business; and of course prospers. May it be 
long before the an<rel, wdiose name he bears, shall call him. 

Eii White, the good old man died in 1863, aged sixty-live. 
He was a public man; often held town offices; was candid, 
honest and honorable. 

AVm. Gould died about 1865, leaving a large family and a 
good name. 

Thomas Crinnion, now lives in Courtland. 

David J. Gilbert moved in with Ids family in 1842. He 
was a local preacher; quite an influential citizen; a man who 
set a good example. He died in 1873, aged about 65. 

AVilliam Thornton ; went to Rockford; was elected sheriff 
of the county. IS'ow resides in Grand Bapids, 



224 MEMORIALS OF THE 

McArthurs. The three brothers — Giles, Harry and Eric. 
(We begin to believe in the traditionary " Three brothers 
who came over.") The McArthurs came from Ohio in 1845. 
Of these, Eric died in 1875. The others are still among 
the substantial men of Oakfield. 

Morris Hart, a genial, social character, a respectable farmer, 
died about 1868. 

John Davis came from Madison county, ]^. Y., July, 1850, a 
blacksmith by trade. For many years he was a successful busi- 
ness man, public-spirited and generous. The people delighted to 
put him in office; they were as confident as the old Scotchman, 
who. when his dominie asked him why he was always atten- 
tive when a stranger was in the pulpit, but quietly slept when 
he preached, replied: "When you preaches, I know it is all 
right, but I cannot trust a stranger." The people hnew it was 
all right if Davis had the managing. A series of misfortunes 
'• broke him up," and reduced him to the forge again. There, 
bidding defiance to fortune, he works for a living in Grand 
Rapids. Onr most reverent obeisance to honest " Old Rag- 
ged." 

James Elsley, was respected as a good man when in a con- 
dition to be responsible. He was considered a monomaniac; 
Avas feeble and sickly. He died in 1872, aged 76. 

William Peterson, still alive, a jovial old soul who will en- 
joy life as long as he lives, and will die with a joke. Every- 
body likes "Uncle Billy," because everybody finds something 
to lauo-h at when he is around. Lono- life to Uncle Bill. 

Isaac Tower, who, with commendable public spirit, had 
raised a large family of six sons and four daughters, came to 
Oakfield in 1839, to provide a new home for himself and them. 
He lived but a few years, dying in 1848, his wife in 1850. His 
sons, Job and Lewis, are in California; Samuel removed South; 
David lives in Greenville; Winslow died in 1854, while 
Stephen, a by no means insignificant man, alone remains in 
Oakfield, on the old farm. Hannah married Zenas G. Winsor, 
Esq., of Grand Rapids. Their imptials, the first in the town, 
were solemnized by the Rev. James Ballard, May 2d, 1840. 
Mrs. Winsor died in 1869. 



GKAKD EIVEil VALLEY. 225 

The first school in Oakfiekl was kept by Miss Sarah Davis 
(now Mrs. Almond Thompson, of Courtland), in the summer 
of 1845, in a private house. She had six pnpils. The first 
school-house was built soon after; and Harry McArthnr was 
was the first teacher in it. Mciirthur is a man who, as an 
educator, has left his mark on this and other towns. The 
mark made by a good teacher is an iinerasahle one, and Mc- 
Arihur's mark is of that character. lie died in ISTT, leaving 
a blank in Oakfield. 

The Rev. Mr. Aickly, otherwise mentioned as a pioneer, was 
the first preacher in Oakfield. 

The first birth amono- the settlers was that of William 
Henry Harrison Davis, son of Wm. R. Davis, April 2'ith, 
1840. He was a paragon of a baby ; so his mother said; and 
mothers ought to know. 

The first time death put in his unwelcome appearance, was 
an event of more than ordinary interest. Orren Gilbert, a 
brother of the Rev. D. Gilbert, coming from another town, was 
frozen to death on Long Lake, in March, 1833. He was dis- 
covered by an Indian; the Indian went around him without 
going near, ascertained that he was dead, went to the whites 
and led them to the spot, and was very particular to show that 
his tracks were around and not %i]) to the dead man; that he 
might be above suspicion. 

The next funeral was of an old lady — Mrs. Stewart — in 1848. 

An interesting item of Indian history has its center in this 
town, and has given name tothe largest lake. The Indian chief, 
Wal^esis (White Swan), a talented half-breed, was one interested 
in making the treaty by which the Indians ceded the land to 
the government. The Indians were enrao-ed at those who 
consummated the act. Wabesis was also accused by them of 
keeping the money paid for the purchase. Instead of killing 
him, as they intended, in hopes of compelling him to disgorge 
Ills ill-gotten gains, they sentenced him to remain "on the 
limits " by the side of this lake. A certain space was allowed 
him, to go beyond which was death. There he lived a num- 
ber of years with his family Finally, another chief, Neog- 
gamali, craftily enticed him beyond his bounds, induced him 

15 



226 MEMORIALS OF THE 

to go to tlie "green corn feast" at Plainfield; there got liini 
drunk, and killed him with a fire-brand. They buried him 
Indian fashion, in the rising bank, his head above ground; a 
crib built around to defend his grave. In tliat crib they daily 
placed food, tobacco, etc., for the nourishing and comfort of 
the dead, but now lamented, Wabesis. His skull, broken by 
the brand, noM^ adorns a New England museum. 

The story of "Wabesis is told in by no means mediocre verse 
by the talented Mrs, Kutts, of Oakfield, From it, we extract 
the following lines on the burial of Wabesis: 

" 0, pitiless the hand to slay 
Where vengeance lui-ecl its baffled prey, 
While Wabasis defenseless stood, 
And dared the throng, athirst for blood. 
But, when his voice in death was still, 
Memories thronged, the heart to thrill; 
And many feet, with silent tread. 
Moved slow, in honor of the dead. 
In regal state the chief was laid. 
With death-dance to appease his shade. 
But not forgot — for white man's gold. 
Their pleasant hunting grounds were sold ; 
And when the dark night-sliadows came, 
With many a torch-light's glaring flame, 
They bore the big chief to his rest 
Upon the highland's hfted crest. 
They placed him sitting on the hill, 
That he might see the white man till 
The broad plains, where his fathei's sleep, 
When gone were all his people's feet. 
They placed him sitting in his grave, 
Where he could see the gleaming wave; 
And watch the white man's big canoe, 
When faded were the forms he knew. 
They placed him by the white man's trail, 
That he might see the stranger pale; 
And where his passing feet should be 
A long rebuke to treachery. 
They roofed him o'er with little trees; 
And bade him wait, and watch through these. 
But wofully the red man rued 
The day their hands in blood were brued — 
For, ever at the feast of corn 
Was heard his voice in taunting scorn; 



GEAXD EITER VALLEY. 227 

And here and there his veng-ef'ul soul 
Led on the hunt for hidden gold ; 
Then in some lone and tangled fell, 
Would ring his -wild, unearthly yell. 
Each new inoon on his grave they laid 
Tobacco, to appease his shade. 
But still the chief, who laid him low, 
Grew nerveless as an unstrung bow; 
And when the White Swan's drooping head 
Told Indian that his soul had fled, 
He went not on the death-trail, lone— 
The red chief, too, had w"ith him gone." 

Were we good at telling "bear stories," we miglit give some 
from Oakfield. Bear stories are good tilings to scare nanglitv 
boys with, especially that one where a bear incontinently 
chewed up forty-three saucy boys who insnlted the good minis- 
ter. Bnt y/i(?;i learn to be but little afraid of the varmints, and 
i-ather like to have them about. The reason is, the bear is a 
thick-skulled brute, who never can be taught common sense; 
don't understand traps; is good game, and in a contest with 
man is almost sure to come out second-best. When encount- 
ered by men or dogs, instead of " pitching in " like a common 
sense hero, or manfully "'retreating," he will either raise him- 
self on his haunches, double his fists, and say— "come on" — 
like a boxer, hitting right and left at the dogs, while the 
man has a glorious chance at him with his gun; or, like a 
fool, as he is, he will take to a tree; never being able to get it 
through his scalp that a tree is the last place for a hunted beai". 
Our advice to all bears is " charge or retreat." But they will 
never heed it; and because of their bearishness, they, of all 
wild beasts, are the first exterminated. 

The first bear-adventure was that of William B. and John 
Davis, wlio encountered one of the biggest, as they were com- 
ing from their work some miles from home. They were re- 
turning with the trophies of the day — four raccoons — on the 
back of their horse, wlien they encountered Mr. Bruin. lie, 
like a fool, took to a tree, and the woodman drew up the deatli- 
dealing rifle; when behold! the cap was gone, and they had 
nrit another. William cut a good switch, mounted Dutch, and 
thrashing liiin into a run, disappeared; arrived, breathless, at 



228 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Mr Criiinion's cabin, and panting, could only exclaim, " caps!, 
Have you any caps?" Mrs. Crinnion, good soul, thinking he 
was crazy, showed him the caps she had prepared for her ex- 
])ected baby; but he frantically thrust them aside, saying 
something that sounded like " darned fool;" seized a brand from 
the fire, mounted and " vamosed." Quick as frightened Dutch 
could run, he was by his brother and the bear. John took a 
death aim at bruin, and, when ready, gave the word to William, 
Avho held a coal. 

The gun went off, and bruin fell; 

Four hundred weight of bear, 
All in a limp and bleeding mass, 

Gasping and dj'ing there." 

But now came the tug of war. When bruin had yielded 
his sjjirit in a long-draM'n sigh, the question arose how to get 
him home. AVhoever has attempted to handle a dead bear, 
will appreciate the difficulty. He is about the limpest thing 
in all creation. If you lift him by the ends the middle lies 
on the ground. If you lift him by the middle the ends are 
not raised. They tried to put him on the back of tlie old 
horse, but he had got his Dutch u^), and though the most 
stolid beast that ever wagged a bob-tail, was thorouglily 
aroused to the indignity of carrying a bear. He cavorted 
and snorted, and said in the plainest horse-language: "I'll 
see your old bear in — the woods, first." But John, too, had 
got his spirit up, and he argued the case with the old liorse 
by first blinding him with his pocket handkei-chief. The 
horse became meek and penitent, and the bear, after infinite 
labor, was loaded upon him. They wended their way home; 
skinned and dressed their game, said their prayers, and slept 
the slee^) of the righteous. 

CHURCHES. 

The First Baptist Church was built in I860, at a cost of $2,200. Mr. 
Sheldon Ashley has the ci'edit of being very efficient in securing its erection. 

The Second Baptist Church had its origin in a revival in 1865, under the 
ministration of the Rev. C. C Miller. A church of forty-two members was 
organized in 1866, and in 1867 they built their hcuse. Miller continued as 
l)astor of the chiu'ch until 1871. He was followed by the Rev. R. Monroe, 
who stayed two years, since which time tiny have ha'l no stated pa'itor. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 229 

This Rev. C. C- Miller is a man of his own sort, a, man of decided talent 
— zealons in religion and politics, between which he regularly alternates. 
If there is a revival to be got up, he is there. When the presidential elec- 
tion comes around, Miller is there, also, — a leader and a power. In the 
county he has been a Warwick, disposing of offices and officers at his will, 
yet never seeking office himself. The campaign ended, he is the parsoa 
agam— takes kindly to the hymn-book and pastoral cares. Beware how you 
tread on his toes. He is a fighting parson, means to be right, but whether 
right or wrong, he will "go ahead" in what he beheves is right. Go it. 
Miller! Religiously and politically, many call you blessed. May your 
shadow be like that of the Sequoia and your voice that of a son of 
Boanerges. Be thou still, where thou art, a terror to evil-doers, and a 
beacon ahead to guide the saints! 



PAEIS, 

Paris is an outgrowth from the center at Grand Kapids. 
Pioneers had found the way to the Grand River and had car- 
ried, or sent, to otlier places a favorable report; and soon there 
was an influx of settlers and speculators, who took up all desi- 
rable lands within easy reach of the central places. The region 
was scarcely open to settlement or purchase, before there was 
a swarm of those, who were looking for land. About, or quite, 
the most desirable land around the settlement at Grand Rapids 
was in the township of Paris. It invited occupation; and was 
very soon mostly under claim. 

As far as now known, the first settlers were Joel, Edward^ 
and Daniel Guild, Barney Burton and James Yanderpool. 
Burton is believed to have been the first. He pitched his camj) 
a half mile south of the Fair Grounds; securing 240 acres. 
He put up the first house and the first barn. The raising of 
that barn was an event. Men sufiicient could not be collected; 
and it was got up in three days by using ingenuity. 

The above mentioned persons settled in tlie township in 
1833-4 — near the northern line. 

In 1834, five men — Abraham Laraway, Alexander Bouk, 
James Clark, Jacob Friant and Orleans Spaulding, started 
together from the east part of the State; came on foot a part 
of the way, and the rest in an Indian canoe. They did not 
take up land until 1836; then they located themselves in the 
east part of the town; and cut out a road to Grand Rapids 



230 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Alexander Clark came in 1831, and his brother Benjamin soon 
after. 

In the few succeeding years we note: Nicolas Carlton, Hi ram 
II. Allen, Alva and Jared Wansey, the three brothers Shoe- 
maker (DeWitt, Clinton and Robert,) Stephen Ilinsdill, James 
UaHard, Robert Barr, Thomas Davis, Ezekiel Davis, Arnott 
Davis, Luther Davis, Thomas Davis, Jr., and Mrs. Pattison 
with her tlu'ee grown sons — Jacob, Minor and James. 

Many of the lirst settlers of Paris were poor. James Patti- 
son says he had $7, a cow, a hog, a dog, and a wife. Minor 
Pattison had $2, an ax and gun. They had three months 
])rovisions. They chopped five acres the first winter. They 
did not consider their case a hard one. The Pattison family, 
their good motliei- at the head, had found them a home; and 
they worked to develop it. They did not sell out, but liave 
ever resided where first they made their humble beginning. 
That part of the town is known by their name. The good old 
lady Pattison, having kept herself the head of the family nntil 
the last, in a venerated old age, died in 1866. She was one 
of the women. With -energy enough to reasonably supply 
half a dozen, she went to work; the first two years on wages, 
then, as the owner of forty acres, which nnder her wise and 
energetic management gi"ew to be 350. She came into the 
Yalley with her five boys, two of them yonugsters. She set 
the boys the example, and they all stuck by Mother, all swear 
l)y Mother, and all pitched their homes near Mother, in P«aris 
or Cascade. If all mothers were like her, we should not have 
so many lazy, shiftless men. 

Poor Benjamin Laraway soon became blind. iN'otwithstand- 
ing, with the aid of his extra wife, he managed to get along 
])retty well. He died in 1870, having been blind thirty years. 

Benjamin Clark is still on his first pla(;o. He does not 
bwing his ax now, but smokes his pipe, reads the papers, and 
enjoys what he worked for. 

The case of Orleans Spaulding is nor without its special in- 
terest. He came with but little means, and went to work, 
clearins: his lands. In the meantime his wife died, and he was 
grievously afiiicted with ophtluilmia, so that for years he was 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 231 

blind. In tliis state lie cliopped and cleared two acres of land, 
l)lanted corn, and struggled for a living. Daring the time 
that he was hlind, he one time went to the Rapids to see if in 
any way he could make a raise of something to eat. In some 
]>lace of business George Evans encountered him; and, in his 
direct way, said to him: " Spaulding, what are you here forT' 
Spaulding told him his situation, and what he wanted. " Ilere,"" 

said Evans, " take this, and go to 's grocery, and get what 

you want;" at the same time handing him an order on that 
grocery in Evans' favor. Spaulding took the paper, w^ent and 
got? three or four dollars' worth of provisions, and had them 
indorsed. Very thankful, he returned the order to Evans, 
M'ho, looking at it and seeing the small amount indorsed, said, 
'' Go back again, and get what j^ou need. AYhat you have got 
won't last a week. Take up the whole order." This was but 
the beginning. With no immediate prospect of pay, and a 
fair chance of losing all, he continued to force upon Spaulding 
his accunimodations until they amounted to several hundred 
dollars; never hinting at payment; generously waiting until 
better times enabled him to cancel the legal indebtedness; and 
then taJiing, not askiug, his pay. The debt of gratitude can 
never be canceled; and the memory of Evans, who died under 
a cloud, will ever be dear to S2:)aulding. It may here be added, 
])arenthetically, that this conduct of Evans toward Spaulding 
■vvas no exceptional instance; for, be his faults what they may, 
no more generous-hearted man ever lived in the Grand River 
A'alley than George C. Evans. And probably the history of 
the State cannot furnish another instance where the show of 
justice was so shamelessly outraged as when he, for an act 
Avhich showed uo moral turpitude, was sent to the State Pris- 
on, there to die. 

The town of Paris was organized in 1839; then including 
Giiines. The first meeting was at the house of Hiram Allen. 

Supervisor, Joel Guild; Clerk, Iliram II. Allen; Treasurer, 
Robert Barr; Justices, II. II, Allen, II. B. Smith, Barne}^ Bur- 
ton, Alexander Clark, 

On the records, as elected to other offices are, Stephen Ilins- 
dill, Foster Kelly-, Joseph II. Blain, Jacob Pattison, John 



232 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

Kirkland, James Ballard, Eanslaer Mesnard, Joseph K. 
Palmer, Andrew Mesnard, Daniel Guild, Joseph J. Baxter, 
and Walter Palmer. 

An incident connected with the writer's first year in Grand 
Ilapids, jDoints to the trait in the character of Robert Barr, 
which probably caused the Parisians to make him treasurer. 
The writer saw Mr. Barr in town with a load of wood, which 
lie bought. Mr. Barr said there was half a cord in the load. 
There was 'more tJiaii half a corxl. Match that, and you will 
indicate the man whose honesty and honor need no furtlier 
l)roof. The load of wood is the countryman's barometer of 
character, "We see a wood-rack wedged in at the bottom, the 
the stakes drawn together at the top, and we know that tlie 
man who has the load to sell is dead to honor and to shame, 
lor he is blazoning the fact that he will cheat the first simple- 
minded person that he can. That man cannot be trusted on 
any occasion; we would not believe his plea of " ]^ot guilty," 
when charged with robbing a hen-roost; and we should hesi- 
tate to believe liis confession of " Guilty," unless the guilt was 
confii'med by better testimony. There is another who fills a 
close wagon-body with poor wood, and covers it with some 
that is '' A, ]^o. 1." He wishes to be considered a man; but 
he will bear watching. Take the eggs out out of your liens' 
nests at night, if you have that man for a neighbor. We once 
bought such a load of a Paris man. Discovering his scour.- 
drelism, we marked him. The mean pup afterwards bragged 
of it. 

" wad some power the s:iftie g-ie us, 
To see oursels as it.hcrs see us." 

If the gods should vouchsafe to deal with such men, they 
would not call on the mountains to fall on them, but would 
be looking out for some woodchuck's hole, in which to hide 
themselves. 

Again, you see the man with his load of M'ood, good or 
poor, manifestly showing what it is, ask him the quantity, and 
you find abundant measure there; seek no further evidence of 
character; elect him treasurer; go his bail; you are safe. 



GRAiro EIVEK VALLEY. 233 

Paris has been tlie tlieatre of some incidents of tlirillino- 

o 

interest, among which we will note the shooting of a man in 
mistake for a deer. A Mr. Sizer was thus shot by an Indian, 
in 1836, near Phister Creek. The Indian rule is, "a life for a 
life," and this one, thinking his life was forfeited, went to 
Mr. SUiter at the Mission and gave himself up. To his sur- 
prise he was assured that he would not be punished. 

A stranger, bj the name of Moore, got lost in the woods of 
Paris, and perished. He was found in a decomposed state, 
months afterward. With him were found some money, his 
watch and his name. His residence was never learned. But 
people recollected a man's cries in the woods, and the appear- 
ance at the settlement of a horse with a saddle on. They had 
answered the cries by blowing horns, and by searching with 
lanterns. Finding no one, they had let the matter pass. 

To be lost is one of the common incidents of the settler's 
life. Do you know what it is to be lost? It is to cease to 
have the idea of direction — there is no north, south, east or 
west. Happy for the person lost if he does not in his bewilder- 
ment of direction, lose also his common instincts, and his 
common judgment. He looks around him in a maze, and 
starts off in some direction; goes on; stops; looks around, 
and goes on again. He shouts, and hears in return only the 
echoes of liis own voice. Desperate, he j)ushes on again. 
Ilis senses begin to reel, but he pushes on, going round and 
i-()und until overcome with fatigue, he sit? dowii by a tree, 
and waits for mornin<r. In the mornino- he starts on a^ain. 

o o o 

Hunger begins to gnaw him, but he pushes on, and comes 
to the tree where he passed the night. "With the liorrible 
feeling of "lost," he starts again. A gleam of reason flashes 
over his mind: " I will find a brook, and that will lead me 
somewhere. Anything but this everlasting going round." 
To keep himself in the line he will take sights on the trees, 
until he finds a brook. He follows that, and it leads him, as 
he expected — somewhere. If he knows the nature of the 
streams, acting in his reason, he can by the waters be led out 
to the settlements. But the more common way is to wander 
as if bereft of all reason, sink down and die near the place of 
starting. 



234 MEMORIALS OF THE 

During tlie first years of his residence in Paris, Mr. Burton 
liad an experience of this kind. On his way from Gnll Prai- 
rie to Grand Rapids, he, with several others, camped for the 
night in the wikls, spaucelled their liorses, and turned them 
ont to feed. In the morning some of the horses conld not 
he found, and Mr. Burton set out to look for them — and got 
lost. After wandering long, his common sense came to him, 
and Jie looked for a brook, found one, and guided by that came 
out at Ada, on the third day. He knew a stream would final- 
ly bring him to the Grand River, as it did. 

Some reminiscences of early times have been kindly furnished 
by II. H. Allen, Esq., an early settler, and long an hon« 
ored citizen. From them, we extract in substance, what fol- 
lows. 

Mr. Allen came to Michigan in 1830, and having explored 
for awhile, concluded to settle at Tecumseh. In his explora- 
tions, he slept at many places where they had no floors in their 
houses, and no furniture but their l)oxes. In 1837, he de- 
cided on leaving Tecumseh, and pushed alone to the Grand 
River, to explore for himself; pitched upon a location, and 
went back for his family, his cattle, and his goods. He had 
rented a log house for temporaiy occupation. When coming 
in with a load, and driving some cattle and hogs, liis load was 
mired, and the most of two days were spent in getting it out. 
His hogs got away, and went back to Yankee Springs. 

In the cold winter of 1812-3, everybody began, to wonder 
how tliey should get their cattle through. Mr. A. had six- 
teen, and a horse or two, and it was the winter's work to save 
their lives. He had some feed, but it was manifest that his 
cattle must browse or starve, and he told them so. 

He went to chopping down the oak trees and invited them 
to help themselves. At first they demurred; but the great 
persuader, hunger, brought then] to terms. He chopped to 
save his stock; and they browsed to save their lives; and the 
consequence was, they all came through well, and he had four- 
teen acres cut down, which he otherwise Avould not have had. 
That winter is painfully recollected by all. The snow was very 
deep; the cold severe; and the winter long, continuing lar 



GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 2o5 

into April. It is easy in a civilized land, with tlie appliances 
of civilization, to contemplate a hard, long winter. The farmer 
can put on his innliier and mittens, go to his harn, and fodder 
his cattle; then come to tlie house, smoke his pipe, and read, 
the jjapers. But it is not so with tlie settler in the savage 
wilds. He has not his harn; and only a small stack of marsh 
hay; and has expected that, in the main, his cattle would pick 
their living in the woods. The snow comes on deep and the 
cattle cannot get around. His scanty stacks are becoming 
heautifully less every day. He must go to felling- trees in the 
hlinding storm; and must break paths to them for his beasts. 
There is to him no coming in when it snows; for the fiercer 
the storm, the more imperative is his labor. How welcome 
to him is the departure of snow, and the sprouting of the 
leeks. The winter before mentioned was terrible to the settlers. 
The hogs in general died ; and cattle perished, or were pre- 
served by desperate labor. But spring came at last. 

There are some animals, as well as men, that do not wish 
to die; and of such were the hogs of J. A. Allyn, of Paris, in 
tliat dreadful winter. In the middle of February they were 
found in a stack of marsh hay in the meadow. They had 
spoiled the stack, but w^ere alive, and the most unhogish set 
of hogs that ever dishonored Michigan. They had lost all 
self-respe-ct ; and oh, how they did smell! Tlie attar of roses 
^\•as a perfume in comparison with them. Their presence was 
as disgusting as that of a dandy perfnmed with musk, or of 
the more respectable "Mephitis Americanus," the French 
" L'enfant de diable," or the " mountain sable," — vulgo vocato, 
"skunk." 

The early history of Paris is so closely interwoven w^ith that 
of the Grand Rapids settlement, that really they are one. 
Grand Papids spread out and covered the towns of Walker 
and Paris, Time brought about division, and established in- 
dependent towns. Yet the filial relation is still kept up — 
there is no real independence. 

PLAIXFIELD. 
Plainfield was one of the towns that were early organized; 



236 MEMORIALS OF TUE 

at first with the territory of two townships. The settlers at 
that time were " squatters," mostly near where is the old vil- 
lage of Plainfield. The organization was at a log hut, used as 
a school-nouse, the first Monday in AjDril, 1838, when were 
elected : 

Zenas G. Winsor, Supervisor; Ethiel "Whitney, Cleric; Dan- 
iel ]N^orth, Samuel Baker, Z, G. Winsor, Geo. Miller, Justices. 

On the records of that date a2)pear the names of the follow- 
ing, in addition: 

Andrew Watson, A. D. W. Stout, Warner Dexter, Cornelius 
Eriant, Damas Francisco, Henry Godwin, Jacob Francisco, 
Jacob Friant, James Francisco, and Ezra Whitney, who were 
honored by being elected to office. Some of these were not 
residents of what is now Plainfield. 

The one to whom the credit is given of being the pioneer , is 
our now venerable friend, George Miller, Esq., whom all have 
had self-respect enough to honor, and whose presence still dig- 
nifies his early home. He, with his family, pushed out from 
Grand Rapids to Plainfield, in 1837. The same year, James 
Clark, Thomas Friant and Warner Dexter became his neigh- 
bors. They had Indians for neighbors, and soon found Indian 
friends. By the work of their hands, by the aid of Indians, 
and by what they could canoe up the river, they weathered the 
first season; when a few others were added to their number — 
Cornelius Friant, Zerra Whitney and Daniel North. They 
were obliged to liv^e nearly Indian fashion; pound their grain, 
or grind it in a cofi'ee mill; hunt for their meat, or pay a price 
beyond their slender finances. After all, there is a good deal 
in thinking. A good, pious widow, who could be thankful for 
little, had nurtured her little boy in the same spirit. Having 
an insufficiency of bed-clothes, she had arranged the bed of 
her son so as to cover it with an old door. One night, as she 
was about leaving him to his rest, and had carefully placed the 
door over him, he said to her: " How do tlw&o, poor people get 
along who have not got any door to cover them these cold 
nights?" He was warm,^ and could be happy. So, give a fam- 
ily a log cabin, a big roaring fire, a haunch of venison and a 
kettle of hulled corn; and give them loving hearts and the 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 237 

spirit of thankfulness, tlicy are not to be pitied. Some one lias 
said, " man lives not by bread alone." It is no sliame to begin 
small; if it were, we should all be obliged to hide our heads 
in shame; for we all began very small. But who wishes to be 
a baby forever? The baby is only the beginning of a man. 
We don't pity the baby at all. ISTo, bless its little heart, we 
love it. But let us call on him ten years later, and see him 
not developed, we turn in disgust from the fool. Just so we 
look on the squatter in the woods. There is beaut}^ in their 
])rimitive simplicity of life, and their smiling, cheerful con- 
tent. Let us pass their abode twenty years afterwards; find 
there the same primitive, undeveloped house and lands; the 
same content with little or nothing; and we say, "shiftlessi" 
and turn away in disgust. One may wisely be contented with 
little at present; but he is one of ISature's abortions if he does 
not strive for more. 

Soon a cluster of houses was at Plainfield, which assumed 
the dignity of a village, noted on the Grand River for its 
shingle trade. For a time it had rather a hard name. Some 
bad characters centered there, which made it more of a merit 
to be respectable. The village is where it cannot thrive. 
When it was the last village at the Korth, it was a smart little 
place. Its death blow was given it when the railroad passed 
it b}^, giving all its business to Ivockford. It seemed natural 
that a village should grow up at the mouth of the Rogue 
River. But that river at present furnishes but little business, 
and what little it does furnish is growing beautifully less. 
Buyout that old saw-mill; put up a manufactory there; or, 
"•Fuit lliuin^'' will be written where the village of Plainfield 
now is. " Fuit Ilium " is said to be Latin for " gone up." 

The history of Plainfield is mostly of its lumber operations; 
its saw-mills and lumber trade. But that business has long 
since culminated; the pine of the town has been cut ofi^", mills 
have gone dow^n, or keep up existence by doing business on a 
smaller scale, and the town is thrown upon her agricultural 
resources. Some of the hcst land in the Valley is here; and 
the town has many good farms. 

The town has not distinguished itself in the way of churches. 
It has but one, and that " don't iro." 



238 MEMORIALS OF THE 

111 Indian times, Plainfield was an Indian place. Several 
of the most noted Indians had tlieir residence there: Long 
Kose, whose tragic death is elsewhere spoken of; Wabesis, 
another victim of Indian liate, and Canote, the " beautiful,'* 
were among them. Their burial monnds are on the plain, 
but otherwise the Indians are a memory. The people, in 
speaking of Canote generally say he was the most graceful 
man they ever saw — a perfect Apollo, besides being very much 
of a gentleman; who at the table of the white man, could 
charm the whole by his superior grace. 

The first birth and death in the town of Plainfield were in 
the family of Geoi^e Miller — twin children — born but to die, 
in 183<S. 

Settlers could not secure tlieir claims until the great land 
sale in 1839. They had before " squatted " pre-empted, and 
organised a town. Indians and white men were living to- 
gether; each amicably acknowledging the other's rights. 
After the sale, the Indians disappeared. Their burial mounds 
are the memento left behind. But these are not respected. 
The plow goes over them, and they are desecrated by the 
shovel of the curious. 

Is it sad, or is it not, that the red man is disappearing? It 
is a law of Kature, and therefore a law of God, that the 
weaker must give way to the stronger; that the savage mii,'^t 
give up the earth to civilized man. The Indian in America 
must adopt the habits of civilization, or perish. There is no 
use in our being sentimental about ii— they know their destiny 
and we Icuow it. We never shall admit the claim of the hun- 
ter to keep out the ax and the plow. The Indians' rights 
are respected by the Government. We pay them for their 
hunter's claim, and give them the chances of citizens. If 
they will not then become citizens, let them submit to their 
destiny — ^:>c;v\s'A. When a section of land can support an 
hundred civilized people, we shall not leave, from motives of 
delicacy, that section for the miserable sustenance of one 
savage. 

The land is the world's. A man may gain an occupancy, 
but the ultimate title is in the State. The State gives no man 



GEA\T3 EITER VALT,EY. 239 

a riglit to say the land is his own. A man i3asses away, hut 
the land is eternal— a ])erpetual chance for men to live. 'Tis 
wrong in principle to allow a man, or any set of men, to keep 
the soil from culture; the power of water from being used, or 
the mines from being developed. To a limited degree our 
laws give that j^ower. When we realize that no " universal 
good " can be accomplished without "' partial evil," there is 
no propriety in being restrained by that partial evil, Tlie 
Indian has the same chance as the rest of us; that is, in the 
classical language of Horace Greeley, " Root hog, or die." 
Mankind, as avj/iole, are a great institution; but an individ- 
ual, whether white, red or black, is a small concern. The 
world lived without you or me, and can and will do it again, 
But it cannot live without the land. Think of that, when you 
say the Indians once oivned this State. They never owned it; 
neither do you or / 020?i the land we occupy. We only own 
certain rights to it, the State, representing mankind, present 
and future, having the paramount right. 

We welcome the Indians to the ranks of civilization. Let 
them come forward and be men; or America will soon leave 
no place for them ; and it is right. There are a good many 
hard things for individuals to bear in this " mundane, terres- 
tial earth;" but after all, you had better believe that the All- 
seeing Eye sees nothing but harmony, and that eternal pur- 
poses are the best judgment of Infinite Wisdom. Many think 
tiiey see clearly how things ought to have been, and tell God 
so in their prayers. The writer must confess that he has had 
this conceit of his own wisdom; but he is now very well 
satisfied that he could not manage the world mychhetter than 
God does. 

Organized 1838, the townships 8 north, ranges 10 and 11 
west, except what lies south of the Grand River. 

1816, township 9 north, range 11 west, detached from Court- 
land and added to Flainfield; also, 181:7, what of township 8 
north, lies south of Grand River. 

1848, free bridge built partly by the State. 

The first settlers were Thomas Friant, who came in JSTovem- 
ber, 1836, who was in the eniploy of James Clark. His em- 



2-1:0 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

plojment was to take care of Clark's cattle. lie and liis fam- 
ily spent the winter with no white neighbors. To get across 
the river they took their wagon apart and carried it, piecemeal, 
in a canoe. In the spring some others came and squatted on 
lands : James Clark, Andrew Watson and George Miller were 
in before June, '37. Many persons jDre-empted lands tliis year, 
wiio stayed on them a little while, sold out and went off. They 
merit no special mention. Of those who this year came on' to 
stay^ we are able to mention, Gideon II. Gordon, wdio built the 
first saw-mill on Rogue Iliver, onedialf mile from its month; 
Jonathan and Abner Misner, Cornelius Friant, Ethan Whit- 
ney, Daniel Xorth, John Page, Aaron Eager, Z. G. AVinsor, 
— Baker (7 feet high). These all lived within a mile or so of 
the river. 

Of these pioneers, at the present writing (1875), Geo. Mil- 
ler and Cornelius Friant are still living in Plainfield. Jonathan 
Misner at Grand Rapids; Ethan Whitney, in Solon; Z. G. 
Winsor at Grand Haven; Abner Misner killed himself about 
'<)8; Gideon Gordon died early — '41; James Clark, died; An- 
drew Watson, '68; Geo. Gordon died about '55; Daniel jSTorth 
about '6(3; Mr. Page left many years ago, and went to Missouri. 

Thomas Cranson was among the comers of 1838. He came 
in May from Tompkins Co., 1*^. Y. His recollection is that 
he found here when he came, the persons whose names are 
above given. At that time A¥m. Withey was building a mill 
on Mill Creek, one mile from the mouth. 

About twenty -five families of Indians were resident; their 
chief Xeog'gemaw. Their former chief, Kenoti'mischco. 
Kenoti is described as a very beautiful man. In fact his name 
was giv^en him as indicative of his personal beauty. 

In the scraps of Indian history, the tragical end of Long 
Nose is given. The Indian who killed him was tried by the 
clan, and afterwards lived a kind of outcast. 

The Indians were disposed to be very kind and to keep 
quiet, but they would have awful drunken frolics. 

The first school was in the winter of 1837-8, in a log school 
house near Friant's. It was taught by Jonathan Whitney. 
The next summer the school was kept by Miss Mary Fran- 
cisco. The school-house was this vcar burned and rebuilt. 



GKAND EIYER VALLEY. 241 

The first marriage was that of Wm. Livingston and a 
daughter of Esq. Miller, in 1838. This Livingston put up the 
first frame barn the same year. 

SOLON. 

Solon, formcrlj Is"orth Algoma, was organized as a town in 
1857. The first town meeting at the house of Walter Eo we. 

Edward Jewell, Supervisor; John E. lioys, Clerk; John 
D. Watkins, Treasurer; Andrew Fluent, Munson Robinson, 
Obadiah Smith, Justices. 

Gladly would we give Solon a historj^, hut she scarcely can 
be said to have one to write. Little can be said of the town 
without repeating the remarks on the other towns in the north- 
ern tier. 

Perhaps the most picturesque town in the A^alley, with 
places of surpassing loveliness, its history is of lumber camps, 
saw-mills, and blackberry excursions. It is slowly filling up, 
and will be a beautiful town; its lake scenery is unsurpassed; 
its land as good as any pine town; and its vicinity to railroads 
is such that its inhabitants are in free communication with the 
outer world. So far, it has only made openings, and begun 
improvements. Its reality is in the future. The beauty of its 
scenery will attract people of taste; and it will not long be a 
place for blackberry parties to range, but will assume the 
position of a place to go to for pleasure, and to enjoy beautiful 
scenery. We mean, when we get rich, to locate our •' chateau " 
between the " Sand Lakes;" for, to our eyes, alovelier sjiot docs 
not exist in Michigan. If some other person gets the start of 
us, and secures that location, we will be content to build our 
country-seat on the shore of Long Lake. We have already 
picked blackberries there, and has^e, in fancy's dreams, seen 
our house, park and pleasure-grounds along that shore — our 
boat on its waters, and our fields and vineyards by its side. 
What has been our dream of fancy, some other sinner, who lias 
a soul for beauty, will realize. 

To mal'e a show of history for Solon, we might go on and 
tell that certain persons were the first settlers. But what of 
that? They were all too late to make it a merit, or a distinc- 

10 



242 MEMORIALS OF THE 

tion. A person must have settled in Kent county long before 
1850, to be entitled to mention as a " settler." A man must 
have some other merit to entitle him to historical notice. The 
town M'as reached, not by adventurous men, who left all be- 
hind and pushed far into the wilds, but by the progress of 
settlement — going just beyond the others. We have been 
strongly tempted to manufacture a " bear story," or to locate 
a gang of " bogus makers " there. But from the last, we were 
deterred by the fact that we did not wish that the history of 
the town where our " chateau " is yet to rise, should present 
a blotted page. We then sought for a '' horrid murder," but 
they have not had the enterprise to furnish us one. AVell. 
what could we do? We could only look at the town and ad- 
mire, leaving its " history " to a future writer. 

Solon may claim a part of Cedar Springs which has a brief 
history. She may divide that with Kelson. 

But now, you slighted denizens of Solon, though you have 
done nothing fi)r the historian's pen to relate, mark well his 
prediction (lie has, in another place, given the reason why he 
may claim to be proj)hetic): A steamboat will, ere twenty years 
have sped, be plying on Long Lake. The shores of that and 
the Sand Lakes will be the resort of pleasure parties. Your 
town will be the 23023ular resort for picnics and excursions. 
Fine houses will go up in your romantic spots; and you ^vill 
put on airs. Make a good road from Cedar Springs to the 
" Lake Eegioii," aird you will then see the dawn of that day. 
From that day it will be a safe investment to put up a hotel 
there. Call me " romancer " if you please; but there's a big- 
city not far from you, and a city must have its j)leasure 
grounds. If this does not come to pass as predicted, as you 
pass the grave of the visionary writer, call him " fool." 

SPARTA. 

Sparta was not settled until civilization had taken deep root 
in the Grand River Yalley, and had no instance of startling 
])ioneer adventure, or of special pioneer hardship. The fact 
is, there were in the Yalley more than 10,000 civilized white 
people before one of them, pushing into the next township, 



GEAKD EIVER VALLEY. 243 

located liimself in Sparta. So we shall not give any great 
credit to the one who cut down the first tree, or put up the 
first shantj, but shall lump together thoce who first came, and 
commence with the organization of the town. 

It had been an appended territory to AValker until 1846, 
^vhen at a meeting, held at the house of Clark Brown, it was 
organized as a town l)y itself, April 6th. At this meeting 28 
])ersons were j^resent and voted; and the following persons 
bore off the town honors: 

Lewis W. Purdy, Supervisor; John M. Balcom, Clerk; 
Myron II. Balcom, Treasurer; Wm. Roclgers, Charles B. 
Hatch, Edwai'd II. Wylie, Elihu Rice, Justices. 

The following is a list of voters then in the town (whicli 
included Tyrone), with some who are known to have come in 
the next year: 

Caleb Araadan, Benj. Blackall, Clark Bro^'n, John M. Bal- 
com, Wm. Blackall, Myron H. Balcom, Wyman M. Bartlett, 
Xewel Barker, Myron H. Bird, Jacob A. Bradford, Anthony 
Chapman, Joel French, James Huff, Charles B. Hatch, Jacol) 
Ililes, Minor Letts, David B. Martindale, Benj. Myers, Jno. 
E. Kash, Parsly Otis, Berry D. Pearl, Lewis W. Purdy, Elihu 
Rice, Wm. Rodgers, John A. Simmons, Jacob Spangenburg, 
James Y. Simmons, Geo. Spangenburg, Philip Slaght, Lyman 
Smith, Luther Yan Horn, Harvey Yan Horn, Edward H. 
Wylie. 

In 1848, 39 voters were present and voted. 

In 1849, the poll list was 100, indicating a rapid settlement. 

The historical gleanings are: In 1844, Lyman Smith (now 
of Grand Traverse), settled on section 25. The same year 
Norman and Edwin Cummings put np shanties on Sec. 34, 
where Xorman now lives. Soon came Lewis Purdy, who, more 
aristocratic, put up a log house — the first in the town. His 
wife was the first wdiite woman in the town. The same year, 
in the fall, Hiram H. Myers located east of Rogue River, and 
in the winter was followed by his father and his family. They 
took up a good deal of land, and were extensivelj' engaged in 
building. 

In January, 1845, the town received quite an acquisition, in 



244: MEMORIALS OF THE 

the person of Joseph English, who came direct from England. 
Mr. English is a character, and the liistoric pen may well 
panse and give the romantic story of his life. He is now, in 
a green old age, enjoying his wealth and dignity in an nnpre- 
tentious home, with his good old lady, of whom lie is very 
proud, by his side; his family all settled around him, with 
nothing to do but take care of his hens and cabbages. Get 
the right side of him, and he will tell you the most romantic 
story of how he " wooed and won his bride" — the ancient lady 
who smilingly looks on, while the beaming eyes of the old 
lover fairly glisten with triumph. It is in substance this: 

Twenty-one years found him in England, an illiterate, grace- 
less youth, unable to read or write, and with only a poor, Eng- 
lish mechanic's prospects in life. One day, passing a house, 
a vision of angelic loveliness presented itself before him. It 
was no other than of a lass of sweet sixteen, feeding the chick- 
ens. With eyes and mouth open, he gazed at her for a mo- 
ment, mustered his courage, approached the fence and said: " I 
am going to have you for my wife." " Get along with you, 
you vagabond!" was her answer. Nothing daunted, he said to 
lier, "You may say as much as you please, but I'll have you." 
" If you don't clear out," said she, " I'll set the dog on you, 
you miserable, putty-faced ragamuffin!" "Good-bye, Miss; 
but I'll see you again soon, and I'm going to have you for my 
wife." "Oat with you!" said she, hurling a slop-bucket at 
his liead, which he dodged, winking w^itli bis left eye, and say- 
ing, " I'll call again and see you to-morrow, and you'll be my 
wife, sartin." True to his word, he called at the house the 
next day, and inrpiired for that girl that was going to be his 
wife. Mamma, aunt and girl, all pitched at him, drove liini 
out of doors, and, with a commingled chorus of screaming 
voices, bade him make liimself scarce. Cocking his head on 
one side, when out of the reach of their missiles, lie said: " Say 
what you've a mind to, I'll have her." Next day — the next — 
the next, and the next, he presented himself at the door, to be 
greeted with slop pails emptied on his head, and with the 
shrieking, " Get out, you vagabond!" Here the old gentleman 
stops the narration; but with a triumphant snapping of his 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 245 

eyes, he sajs, " I got her!'''' The modus operandi he does not 
tell. But be it what it may, it illustrates the doctrine of 
"perseverance." "lie that perseveres until the end," etc., 
etc. 

"Fortune favors the brave;" or as was written for us as a 
copy by a schoolmaster who had read the " Liber Primus^^ in 
Lathi, and wished to display his learning, " Fortis fortuna 
juvaty We alwa3^s remembered that, and made use of it in 
turn when we kept a school. English illustrates that. By per- 
severance and braving dish cloths, slop pails and maledictions, 
he won his bride. By perseverance and bravery he rose to be 
a master mechanic, and to be the honest possessor of $15,000. 
"With this, in 1843, he came to America, and went to specula- 
ting at Grand Rapids and thereabouts. The result illustrates 
another principle embodied in the old proverb: "Let the cob- 
bler stick to liis last." Mr. E. ought to have known that it 
was hazardous for an English master builder to turn his prop- 
erty into cash, put himself in competition with Michigan cus- 
sedness, and go to speculating in lumber. But so he did; and 
in two and a half years found his pretty little pile of dollars in 
other people's pockets; while his own pocket was like a 
cuckoo's nest in March. Did English commit suicide? Did 
he go boo-hooing like a whipped urchin? Or did he sit down 
on a stump, and write a poem on the uncertainty of earthly 
hopes? Not he. Having speculated out of fortune, he deter- 
mined to speculate in. He bought land on ci'edit. He made 
shingles, which he sold for $1 per thousand; working from four 
in the morning until nine at night, and shaving five thousand 
per day. Working and speculating, 1855 found him able to 
build a steam mill in Alpine. The next year this was burned. 
Again his capital was his brains and his pluck. With these 
he went to lumbering on Rogue River; did well; buiit mills; 
bought land; got rich; divided his property among his chil- 
dren; with a cheerful heart resigned business, and, with the 
wife of his youtli, is happily biding his time. Born in 1803, 
he still works; not from necessity, but because if he did not 
he could not live. He has his four sons settled around him. 
He always was a happy dog, that never would howl, though 



246 MEMORIALS OF THE 

liis bark was sharp, and expressive of grit. Long life to yon, 
'•• Uncle Jo." 

In the spring of 1845, Cnmmings — tlie father of the good- 
looking and welhknown Norman, Edwin and jS^elson — came 
on where his boys had begnii. In Jnne of the same year, Elihu 
Rice, John Symes and Anthony Chapman came on together. 
They had to cnt their road; and with one hnndred feet of 
boards, which they brought along, made a shelter. The writer 
was lately in the beautiful cottage of Symes, and was looking 
at a photograph of the lionse which hung in the parlor. The 
old lady said: "You should see by the side of this the iirst 
house we lived in here — one hnndred feet of boards resting 
on two poles; brush piled at the sides to break the wind; a log 
heap in front to cook by; only one chair, and other things in 
proportion." "\Ve asked her if they were not as happy in that 
as in this. "Yes," said she, "a great deal more so.' We re- 
flected on human nature, and for once mentally extemporized 
poetry: 

^ Contented mth little, why grasping for more. 

We believe that is original, if not with us, it Avas with 
somebody else more than 100 years ago. 

David B. Martindale was an lS45-man, He spent his 
days in the town, dying in 1872. Also the same year came 
Myron and John Balcom. Myron removed to Missouri; 
John has always stayed, and the genial countenance of the 
deacon welcomes the traveler to the hotel at Nashville. 

Clark Brown, at whose house the town was organized, and 
who tlien with dignity presided over the assembled multi- 
tude, is still where he erected his humble shed in 1815. Now 
lie looks up in the world. A roomy mansion is the home of 
his well-fed and wjell-rounded person. He looks the digni- 
lied alderman, and he enjoys his beautiful home, unruffled by 
anything .but the villainous cloth-peddler. At the sight of 
one of them his bosom s^vclls with ire. A good-looking 
])atriarch, we hope his shadow will lung be seen in the streets 
of Sparta. 

In 184G, from Greenfield, Massachusetts, came Jonathan E. 



GKAND EIYER VALLEY. 247 

Xash, the son of Eliliii, wlio was the son of Theophilus, who 
v.'as the son of Jehoniah, who was the son of Epapliroclitus, 
\vho was tlie son of Zoroaster, who was the son of the oi-iginal 
]']liakiin Xasli. (See the "jSTash Genealogy.") From the 
aforesaid "Genealogy," we learn that the name was oi'iginally 
written " Gnash." But why, is not mentioned. Some dim 
allusions to " gnasliing of teeth," are connected with the 
family traditions. Beyond tliis Eliakim Xash, no record or 
tradition is preserved, and he is looked to as the source of the 
race and name. But for our purpose it matters little. Jona- 
than E. is a present realitj'. Eliakim is now but a name, per- 
haps a myth. This Jonathan E. has alwaj'S been a mighty 
hunter; the terror of bees and deer; a pi'ovident and 
thoughtful hunter, who alwa_ys before starting for the forest 
with dog and gun, kills a sheep, to be sure his taniily may 
iiave meat on his return. He sometimes brings home a deer, 
but whether he brings meat or no, he always brings a genial 
countenance, and gi-eets the one who would joke at his 
expense, with a laugh that is contagious. He has also been 
death on all candidates for office, who were nominated in 
opposition to him. So much is this the case, that now when 
Jonathan is nominated, the opposing candidate, of his own 
accord, "comes down and gives up his fur." Jonathan lias 
laid out a village which bears Ids name, and there he lives, — 
not " Esq. ]N"ash," nor " Mr. ]N"ash," but " Jonathan"— about as 
liappy a specimen of humanity as ever bade defiance to the 
blues, or lived to difiuse happiness. 

Sparta has two villages — Nasjiville and Lisbon. 

Xashville-is a pleasant country center, and is growing. It 
has two churches — Baptist and Methodist, each of wliich have 
good houses of worship, both built in ^66. It has a Lodge of 
Good Templars, whose influence for good has been felt and 
acknowledged. Quite an impulse has been given to the 
growth of the village by the Xewaygo Railroad. The village 
has no charter. 

Lisbon, lying partly in Sparta and partly in Chester, 
Ottawa county, was chartered in 1869. Its first settler and 
first post-master was John Pintler, wdio located there in '46. 



248 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The place was called "Pintler's -Corners." In 1859, the 
post-office was named Lisbon, and the name was afterwards 
adopted by the village. The village is pleasantly situated on 
elevated ground, but not where it has the prospect of grow- 
ing, the presumption being that a contemplated railroad will 
leave them in the distance. The inhabitants justly pride 
themselves on the good order and general intelligence of the 
people; on their graded school, and home-like associations. 
The Good Templars have for many years kept up an effective 
working lodge, which is educating the young people into 
sound principles and the social virtues. This village is the 
" Sweet Auburn " of the region. 

As a town, Sparta has always ranked high for the charac- 
ter and intelligence of the people. Among the young there 
is the desire to be, and not to seem. Temperance has a strong 
hold on them, and there is mental culture. When temperance 
organizations gave up existence in every other town in the 
county, Sparta maintained her two lodges of Good Templars. 
Their influence has told for good. Would we could say all the 
young people were members of the. order. But the sad fact 
■mtist be told — there are in the town three young men who are 
not ashamed to go into a saloon! Though the door is the 
open gate of perdition, Sparta has three young men who can 
step within. Good-bye, young men! You left your hopes, 
your characters and your good name outside. Lost! lost! lost! 
Farewell! 

There — one of those young men is coming out of that 
saloon. See him! And then take a look at that young Good 
Templar that he is meeting. God ].)ity the one! The other 
needs not our prayers. Grasping his moral principles with 
hands of iron — with his ej^e on the Eternal — we are willing to 
risk him. God speed you. Good Templars! Our hat rises 
to the young person who honors himself. It is a habit that a 
good many hats besides ours have got into. 

SPENCER. 

Spencer is one of the towiis that were reached by settle- 
ment in its natural progress, when people just go into tl:-^ 



GKAND KIVEK VALLEY. 249 

woods beyond tlieir neiglibors. The Grand River Yalley be- 
gan to be settled in 1833, but the first occupant of land in 
Spencer did not locate liim5elf until 1848 — thirteen years after. 
When it is considered that he was only some sixteen miles from 
the village of Plainfield, and that the intervening space was 
occupied, that roads were open, mills and markets within easy 
reach, that it was only to yoke up Bright and Brindle, and in 
one hour be in the midst of a civilized people, we will 
hardly call him a daring pioneer. As Sjjencer was reached in 
23rogress, we will say little of its settlement. 

Yet, unimportant as is the fact, and recent as is the date, 
who was the first to occupy is a matter of dispute. It is 
claimed that an old trapper by the name of Lincoln, was the 
first. But this Lincoln's first location was in Montcalm coun- 
ty, and he moved his chebang into Nelson after others had 
come in. Beyond this, it is conceded that Cyrus B. Thomas, 
who came from Washtenaw county in 1845, was the fii'st that 
located over the line. He came with his two boys — William 
•and Levi — and settled by the south line of the town, where 
still the family occupy. Here Mr. Thomas lived three years; 
not " monarch of all he surveyed," but sole resident in the 
township. It was not until 1853 that others moved into the 
town. Then came Abner Haskins and his two sons, Joseph 
and Alexander, Henry Stoltz, James Tuck, Samuel McClelland, 
Elias Marklcy, Jesse Haskins, and possibly some others. 

But it matters little who were the earliest settlers; they had 
nothing to encounter, but the work to clear up their lands; 
they were simply borderers, not adventurers. 

The town assumed political individuality under the name of 
" Celsus," in 1861; the first meeting being at the house of 
Thomas Spencer, on the first Monday in April. 

Those who have the honor of being the first town officers 
were: 

Freeman Van Wickle, Supervisor; Henry A. Freeman, 
Clerk; Wm. W. Hewitt, Ed. D. Clark, Justices. 

The settlement of Spencer was rather slow, owing to the 
fiict that it was a region that invited the lumberman, rather 
than the farmer. Until recently, it was supposed that a piece 



250 MEMORIALS OF THE 

of pine land after the pine was off was nearly M^ortliless ; the 
consequence was that pine lands were not considered settlers' 
lands. Where the timber is pine, the first operation is to cnt 
that off. Lnniber camps are located, and the pine disappears. 
Then the land will be taken bj those who are too old to pnsh 
into the wilderness; or who are unwilling to go beyond the 
skirts of civilization; or by those whose capital will not allow 
them to buy cultivated farms. The " stump machine " be- 
comes the principal agricultural implement; and in the wake 
of that, the plow and reaper will follow. There is little of the 
pine region which cannot be turned to good account by those 
who would live from the soil. The famous " frnit belt " near 
the shore of Lake Michigan, is no more nor less than one of 
the least inviting " pine barrens." A year or two ago, passing 
through that region, the writer observed a man fencing a 
piece of land. He stopped, and expressed his admiration of 
the benevolence of the man, who was putting up a fence to 
keep the poor cattle out of a place where they must star\'e ; he 
further asked the man if he owned those premises; and be- 
ing assured that he did, he, with a Yankee curiosity, inquired 
what the former owner gave him to take it off his hands. 
Didn't his eyes open a little when the man informed him that 
he gave $50 an acre for this land, which would apparently 
starve a grasshopper, if sole occupant of a ten acre lot. It was 
'•fruit land," and the owner, far from asking pity, was revel- 
ing in visions of peaches, raspberries and cash. Spencer does 
]iot ask our sympathy. She has still her virgin pine, which is 
itself a mine of wealth; and then, she can make farms Avhere 
the pine has been taken off; that she is doing. Her history is 
of the future. 

The old tra])per looked upon the region as a jilace for rais- 
ing muskrats. Then followed the lumberman, who saw noth- 
ing but pine. What cared he for Lincoln and his "rats." lie 
saw beauty in a saw-log. '•'• Hie jaceV will soon mark the 
grave of the lumberman, and the land will be what is looked 
to. First, the animals, then the trees, and last, the soil; each 
step marking a grade of civilization. To show the progress of 
civilization in Spencer — Lincoln caught muskrats; Tliomas 



GKAKD EIVEE VALLEl'. 251 

Spencer put up the first saw-mill in 1863; Cyrus Tliomas 
located the first farm. Mushrats and timber are things of 
brief time, hut the land is eternal. 

The first teacher in the town was Miss Harriet White. 

Thomas died in 1852, and rests in Oakfield Cemeter\\ Miss 
AVhite is also there. 

The town was first named "Celsus," but afterwards the 
name was changed to Spencer, in compliment to her prominent 
citizen Tliomas Spencer; thus sacrificing poetry to merited 
compliment. How anxious we are to perpetuate a iiame! 
When ive are forgotten, it is cheering to think our name Avill 
not be lost. And how the dying eyes Avill glisten as the 
death-damps are on the brow, if we are told oxxv name wWl still 
survive; not as ours, but as the name of a town! We will 
give a new set of books to the town that will so compliment 
us; will orate for them gratis on the Fourth of July, and then 
will sweetly dream of our name's immortality ! 

TYRONE. 

Tyrone was a part of Sj^arta until 1855, when, by the Su- 
pervisors, it was set off" and becauiis a town by itself. Its 
organization was effected at the scliool-liouse near the south- 
west corner of the town, April 2d. There were elected: 

Uriah Chubb, Supervisor; Albert Clute, Clerk; Harlow 
.lackson. Treasurer; Patrick Thompson, Albert Clute, Uriah 
Cliubb, Justices. 

On the record appear the additional names of John W. 
Thompson, Theodore P. Scott, Lot Folkerson, Drrwin B. 
Clute, Wm. Daggett, Leander Smith, Peleg Brownell, Jona- 
than P. Niles, Reuben Barr, Bela Chase, James Blackall. 

Of these, Patrick Thompson, Peleg Brownell, J. P. Niles 
and P. Barr were but transient residents. Bela Chase died 
in 1868; Albert Clute died from disease contracted in the 
army; James Blackall was killed in the war. The remainder 
of the list are still resident in the town. That grim messen- 
ger of fate. Death, has been quite indulgent to Tyrone; giving 
the first settlers time for repentance, of which, it is to be hoped, 
they have made good use. But let them not trust too far. 



252 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

White hairs are an admonition that the unwelcome reprobate 
is comino: alono;. 

A tax of $50 was voted for town purposes, and $10 for a 
burying ground. It would seem that in those good old times 
there was but little to tempt a town treasurer to go into irreg- 
ular financiering. 

In 1S56, the number of votes for Eepresentative was twen- 
ty-three — for Llttlejohn fifteen; for Waldbridge, eight — prov- 
inof tliat the town was Democratic. 

The remark applied to the other towhs of the nortliern tier 
in Kent county, applies to this town: Its pioneer history has 
little of interest, settled, as it was, so long after the Grand 
River Valley was a civilized region. 

The first who sought a home in the town, was Mrs. Louisa 
Scott, a woman of great energy of character; who, finding her- 
self with a crazy husband, and a lot of long-legged boys, took 
the helm into her own hands; and, struggling against accu- 
mulated adversity, maintained for herself and family an honora- 
ble position. Her sons have all died but one, and he is a 
cripple. Her husband is a happy lunatic at the poorhouse; 
considers himself the owner of the establishment, and is 
known there as "Gen. Scott." A M^oman can ^q something 
besides spend man's earnings; Mrs. Scott has demonstrated 
that. Mr. Scott died in 1877. 

Mrs. Scott came in 1850; Lot Folkerson came the next year. 
Just over the line, in Casenovia, was Mr. "Waterman, a mighty 
hunter, at sight of whom a bear would give up his fur; not 
voluntarily, it is true, but Waterman had a power of persuasion 
that no bear could resist. Twenty-three of their shaggy hides 
were his trophies one fall. The bears knew Waterman ; warned 
each other to give him a wide berth. But his eye was to them 
the eye of a basilisk — to fix it on them was death. He was to them 
what whisky is to the youth — a thing to be kept out of sight 
of. As certain as a bear, prompted by curiosity to see the 
enemy, or tempted by the grunting of innocent pigs, came 
snooting around, one crack of AVaterman's rifle sent him, a 
shriekins: ffhost, to the "huntino: rounds across the river." 
And just so, my young sinner, it will be with you, if you 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 253 

go peering round those places, whose sign is the cleatJi's head 
and ci'oss-hones — or, in written Language, the word " Saloon." 

The third settler was Harlow Jackson, whose entrance 
dates February, '52. Jacob Smith followed him the next 
^N^ovember. 

The first school was taught bj Miss Susan Field, now Mrs, 
Myron Buck, at Cedar Springs. The next winter the school 
was kept by Miss Kettie Wetraore, of Grand Rapids; now 
Mrs. Eood. 

The first sermon preached in the town, was by the Kev. 
Francis Prescott; it was in the school-house, in 1854:. After 
that a missionai-y preacher, a Methodist, held meetings there 
once in two weeks. During the first years, Elders Bennett, 
(Jongdon and Smith, held meetings. A Sabbath school was 
started at an early day, of which Wm. IST. Wylie was Super- 
intendent. There are as yet no liouses of worship in the town. 
Three religious societies are in existence — Free "Will Baptist, 
United Brethren, and Methodist. The Methodist society was 
the first organized; the Free "Will, second. 

There is a very noticeable curiosity on the farm of H. C. 
Wylie, on section thirty-three. It is a very extensive beaver- 
dam. The plow has done damage to it, but still a part of it 
is in the woods untouched. The whole length of the dam is 
some sixty rods. At first sight, it seems to have been built 
on no coiTect engineering principles. But a little observation 
will show the principles that guided the chief engineer, 
" Castor Fiber." The construction is not of so remote a 
period that the name of the engineer has been lost. He had 
no theodolite or level, and his skill was the result of his native 
genius. As l^ewton deduced the law of gravitation from the 
fall of an apple, so Castor Fiber based his whole system upon 
the equilibrium of water, and established the grand principle — 
that water will run over in the loioest place. "With this one 
guiding thought in his head, he commenced tlie dam before us. 
He said within himself: "•' If we would create a reservoir of 
^vater, we must stop the flow %ohere it runs over. So he com- 
menced by obstructing the stream. This done, he watched 
the rising of the water and where he saw it running over he 



254 MEMORIALS OF TIIH 

^stop2:»ed it; and so continued until the requisite heiglit, and 
capacity of reservoir were obtained. As a consequence, the dam 
is as irregular as the ground. There are no lines or angles; 
but all conforms the one principle—" stop the water where it 
runs over." 

The average height of this dam may be two feet; at the out- 
let of the stream, perhaps five feet. The flow of the pond 
was about twelve acres. It is built entirely of earth. Prob- 
nbly across the stream there was something else, but that part 
has disappeared. 

We are not to pre-suppose reason as guiding animals in 
their constructions. A scientific man of Grand Eapids, rang- 
ing the northern wilds of Michigan, discovered a large beaver- 
dam of recent construction, and then occupied. Where the 
stream had run over and formed little rills below, the young 
beavers had built little dams. It seems to be as much an 
impulse in the beaver to obstruct water, as it is tor the wood- 
chuck to dig a hole. We call this impulse, " instinct" — that 
is, a disposition to do what they have never been taught. A 
study of the dam in Tyrone will show that the sole principle 
of its construction is given above, and is found in the instinct 
of the animal to obstruct running water. 

It may be here observed, that we can scarce find a brook 
without its beaver dams. These are a shapeless ridge of earth, 
running either way from the brook to the bank; generally but 
a rod or two in length. The dam in Tyrone is one of the l)ig 
ones; but probably, in tracing any brook, as many dams may 
be found as miles. They are not conspicuous; but when once 
attention has been directed to them, one will be surprised at 
the frequency of their occurrence. 

The beaver is noble game. A poor man may walk the 
streets or traverse the forest, without fear of robbers; but the 
rich are in constant danger. The poor woodchuck may live 
and multiply almost undisturbed by man. But the beaver, 
with equal fecundity, is exterminated because of his rich gar- 
ment of fur. We don't hunt the woodchuck; we merely kill 
him, when we happen to have a chance. But the beaver is 
hunted until he disappears. There is not now a beaver in a 



GEAXD mrmz \-ALLEr. 255 

settled county in the State. Man immediately exterminates 
them; not from dislike, but for immediate gain. Blessed be 
poverty I It is well fur the woodcliueks that they adoj)ted a 
simple style of dress long years ago; and that, Quaker-like, 
they still adhere to the costume worn by their ancestors. 
Extravagance in dress is the bea,ver's ruin. Some of the human 
race may well heed the lesson which their fate teaches. 

VERGENNES. 

Vergennes was one of the towns earliest organized. By act of 
Legislature in 1838, four townships— 5, 6, T, 8, N., E. 9 W.— 
Bowne, Lowell, Vergennes and Grattaii, were set oiF from 
Kent, and made a town. Tlie first settlement was in what is 
now Lowell, and the south part of the present town of Ver- 
gennes. Its early liistory is mainly that of Lowell. In 1840, 
Caledonia was organized; and T. 5 K., R. 9 W. (Bowne) was 
detached from Vergennes, and temporarily united with Cal- 
edonia. In 1846, Grattan, T. 8\N., 9 W. was made a town 
and detached from Vergennes; and in 1848, LoAvell (T. 6 K., R. 
9. W.) was organized; leaving Vergennes (T. 7 K., R. 9 W.) 
with the modest limits of a single township. 

In speaking of Vergennes, in early times, it must be borne 
in mind that its center was Lowell; that its settlers were 
mainly there, or in that part of Vergennes which is contiguous. 
A few pushed up Flat River. The two towns, Vergennes and 
Lowell, lived lovingly together as one for ten years, not fol- 
lowing the example of many sister towns, of setting up inde- 
pendent, as soon as they had a dozen voters. There was gootl 
reason why the two townships should keep together. 

They were, in substance, one settlement, which the town- 
ship line about equally divided. This settlement, near the 
mouth of the Flat River, was the place; the scattered settlers 
around seemed to be its dependencies. They had lived 
together as a community; they did not choose to divide; and 
they did not until both towns were well supplied with inhab- 
itants. 

Who gave the town the name the writer does not know. It 
was probably so called from some dear personal association, or 



256 MEMORIALS OF THE 

more likelj, from tlie poetic interest tliat attaches to the word. 
Thoufl^h an imitation, it is a good one; one of those that can 
be tolerated. 

The town was organized in 1838 (but it must be borne in 
mind that it was Lowell as much as Yergennes), the 2nd day 
of April, at Lewis Robinson's house. The number of voters is 
not known. The memory of the old i-esidents gives the num- 
ber of families in town as about twenty. 

The first town officers were: Supervisor, Rodney Robin- 
son; Clerk, M. Patrick; Justices, Rodney Robinson, Charles 
A. Lathrop; George Brown; Lucas Robinson. 

The others, who are named as holding the other town offices 
are: Thompson I. Daniels, John M. Fox, Porter Rolph, Everett 
Wilson, Charles l^ewton, Henry Danes, P. ^Y. Fox, A. D. 
Smith, O. II. Jones, and James S. Fox. 

In ISiG, after G-rattan was set off, Vergennes (the two towns, 
Yergennes and Lowell) mustered at the town meeting 133 
voters. The meeting was held at the house of John M. 
Waters. 

In 1848, after the organization of Lowell, the meeting was 
at the house of Eliab AValker; and again the number of voters 
was 133. This indicates a rapid filling up during the last of 
those years. 

The occupation of Yergennes dates from 1836. It is not 
known who was first on the ground; but following the mem- 
ory of one of the settlers of that year, we have the names of 
Ira Yan Deusen, Jesse Yan Deusen, Alfred Yan Deusen, 
Chauncey Yan Deusen, Everett Wilson, Hamilton Andrews, 
Rodney Robinson, Thompson I. Daniels, John Thompson, 
Charles Francisco, Sylvester Hodges, Amos Hodges, Matthew 
Patrick, Ebenezer Smith, Ira Danes, Charles Xewton, Lucas 
Robinson, James Thompson. 

It is not absolutely certain that all of these settled that year. 

In the north part of the town the first to occupy were four 
brothers by the name of Ford — Barnard, David, Ira and 
Abel. They took up land on the line between Yergennes and 
Grattan — David and Ira in Grattan, They were Canadians; 
liad little but their teams; took up small pieces of land; 



G'RAND KIVER VALLEY. 257 

forty or eighty acres. Elder Godfroy, with a grown up family, 
came the same year (1838); also Franklin Kenney, Smith 
Godfroy, Micah Mudge, Eliab Walker. To the same year, or 
the year before, we are able to set the names of Benjamin 
Fairchild, James Montague, Benjamin Toles, Jared !Nagles, 
iVbel French and Noah Peck, as settlers in the north part of 
the town. 

To these, we may add, in other parts, Silas S. Fallass, 1838; 
P. Wesley Fallass,*^ 183T; Wm. P. Perrin, 1837; Alexander 
Eogers, 1837; Alanson K. Shaw, 1839; Emery Foster, 1837; 
Christopher Misner, 1838; Morgan Lyon, 1838; John Bran- 
nagan, 1837. 

Of these Barnabus Ford died in 181:3, aged forty-seven; 
Alvah H. Andrews in 1872, aged sixty-three; Charles Fran- 
cisco in 1874, aged sixty-seven; Elder !Newconib Godfroy in 
1859, aged seventy-live; Rodney Robinson in 1875; Franklin 
Kenney, 1873; Benjamin Toles was killed by a tree in 1847. 

CHURCHES. 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL. 

The first class was formed by Elder George in 1841. Its members were: 
Cliarles Collar and wife, Anthony Zerkes and wife, Smith Bailey and wife, 

Bm-tis Hoag and wife, Howland Soules. 
The church was dedicated March, 1866. Present meiiibership about 

thirty. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

First banded in 1843, by Elder Godfroy; had then about fifteen or twenty 
members. They have a good house of worship, which cost about $2,000, 
and was finished m 186S. Messrs. Godfroy and Moshier have been the 
pastors. Present number about forty. 

WYOMING. 

When Kent county was a town of Kalamazoo county, set- 
tlements were made at Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Ionia, and 
Lyons. Campan had his trading station at Grand Rapids, and 
Rix Robinson at Ada and other j)laces, and the few persons 
in the Valley were dependent on them. Living, as they did, 
dependent on the Indians, with no rights, further than a 
license to trade, and such as the Indians would give them, they 
are not to be considered as at that time occupants and settlers. 
17 



258 MEMORIALS OF THE 

A few, dependent on Campau and Robinson, were at Grand 
Rapids, but in point of fact, the first settlement was in Wy- 
oming; and the earliest history of the Yalley is the histoi'V of 
this town. The first locations were made here. The farms 
were begun here; and here the plow first broke tlie soil; 
and here the first crops were raised. The advent of the 
first white man into Ionia county was in the spring of 1833. 
But Wyoming dates from 1832, when her soil was taken 
possession of by Robert Howlett, Luther Lincoln, Amos 
Gordon and Stephen Tucker. They are, therefore, tlie Grand 
River Pioneers. They came in the fall of 1832, and raised 
crops of their own planting in 1833. Lincoln took up wliat 
was the paper city, but now the thriving village of Grandville: 
and there, in the spring of 1833, was the first in the Grand 
River Yalley to turn the soil with the ]:)low, and he raised the 
first crop of corn where the village of Grandville now stands. 
This pioneer Lincoln was an erratic genius; we wish we could 
give a better history of him. He did not stay where he wa-s 
the ])ioneer. 

Still, 1833, the same year that settled the first colonists at 
Ionia, is looked upon as the year when the Valley was taken 
possession of by civilized men. This year brought Jno. F. 
Chubb, Stephen Tucker, Gideon H. Gordon, James Gordon, 
Wm. R. Godwin, Joseph B. Copeland, Myron Roys, Henry 
AYest, and George Thompson, to Wyoming. 

The first house of any description, built by the whites, was 
a log shanty for Lincoln, in the fall of 1832. The first liouse 
fit for a fimily to live in, was the log house of Stephen Tuck- 
er, built mostly by the Indians in March 1833. Lincoln had 
brought on with him five yoke of oxen, and he stayed over 
winter in his liurable cabin, to take care of them. Tucker 
built his house to live in with his family. 

Mr. Tucker was the first mail-carrier, going once a week to 
Gull Prairie; Slater, the missionary, the postmaster. Tucker 
commenced carrying the mail and doing errands for pay, Jan- 
uary, 1833. 

As in the rest of the Grand River Valley, 1834 brought 
accessions to the settlement: Roswell Britton, IS'athaniel 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 259 

El-own, Eli and Erastus Yeomans; Ransom Sawyer, Richard 
Moore, Justus C. Roofers, E. T. Walker, Josiali McArthy, 
Geo. Thompson, Julius C. Abel, Hiram and Luman Jennison; 
Alvah Wansey. 

Let us stop here, and briefly follow these pioneers. 

Lincoln soon left, and appears again as a pioneer in the 
northeast part of the county, where he lived as an eccentric 
man, and died. 

Mr. Howlett is one of the solid men of Grand Haven; looks 
as though the world had used him well; as though he was at 
peace with his stomach; and we are in hopes it will be long 
before '''• hie jacef^ shall be on the marble over him. 

Stephen Tucker soon left. 

Gideon H. Gordon was but a transient resident. 

Joseph B. Copeland is still a resident of Grandville; and 
there long may he flourish. 

The Jennisons are still resident, not exactly in Wyoming, 
bnt over the line where they are the life and soul of a smart 
little village, that bears their name. 

Wm. R. Godwin was long a leading resident of Wyoming, 
and after it was set off", the leading man of Byron until his 
death. 

Jonathan F. Chubb, after having developed one of the best 
farms in the region, sold out and removed to Grand Rapids, 
where he was an efficient business man, and one of the city 
fathers. He is dead. 

Myron Roys, who came on a single man, and long lived an 
old bachelor, is such no longer, as his grand-children testify; 
is, in a green old age, still resident in Wyoming; and loves to 
tell his grand-children of his bach, experience in making bis- 
cuits with sweet-milk and saleratus. 

Eli and Erastus Yeoman s are still resident in the town. 

Nathaniel Brown was an active business man ; but stayed only 
a few years. 

Geo. Thompson, brother-in-law of Howlett, lived and died a 
single man at Grand Haven. 

Roswell Britton was a man of superior merit; represented 
Ottawa county in the first State Legislature, 1837. He died 
June, 1850, aged 63. 



260 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Ransom Sawyer, a good citizen, died about 1865. 

Ricliard Moore, a wealthy man, died about 1870. 

I. C. Rogers is still resident. 

In 1835, were added, Charles H. Oaks, Thomas H. Buxton, 
Joseph A. Brooks, Manly Patchin, Dwiglit Rankin, Abraham 
Bryan c. 

Charles H. Oakes was a man who figured a good deal. He 
was an Indian Trader; the first merchant at Grandville, where 
he bailt the second house — the one in which Mr. Moody now 
resides. He was one of the Grandville Company, who pro- 
jected and platted the city. After a time he left; and has 
since flourished at St. Paul. 

In 1836, Hiram Osgood, Orrey Hill, Charles Wheeler, James 
Lockwood, Jacob and Charles J. Rogers, Leonard Stoneburner, 
and Fetterman, located in the township. 

In 1837-8, came Col. Hathaway, Lewis Moody, Chase 
Edgerly, James P. Scott, Savoy R. Beals, James McCray, 
Cyrus Jones, Cyrus Marsh, Horace Wilder, George Ketchum. 

McCray first located at Grandville, where, in company with 
Ketchum, he started the first foundry. It was begun in 1838 ; 
but owing to sickness, did not go into operation until 1839. Mr. 
Wilder was foreman in the furnace, and melted the first iron in 
the Yalley. The furnace was soon removed to Grand Rapids, 
where McCray was the managing head until his death. 
Developed, what was the small establishment of Ball and 
McCray is the large concern of Butterworth and Lowe. 

James P. Scott was by nature a man of versatile talent; by 
culture a scholar of varied attainments, yet lacking the talent 
of 1 solid business man, and conscious of that lack, he generally 
was in other people^s employ. In his younger days, he was in 
the service of the American Fur Company, operating between 
Lake Superior and Hudson's Bay. He was at one time 
elected County Clerk and Register of deeds in Ottawa county, 
which offices he satisfactorily filled. During the war he went 
with one of the regiments as Quartermaster. While acting in 
that capacity he shot himself, but whether by design or acci- 
dent, is not known. James P. Scott was widely known, and was 
often looked to in an emero;encv He was sas^acious and 



GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 261 



trusty, and his opinion was valued. Many a worse man has 
been canonized; many a weaker one more successful, and many 
a better one less missed, when gone. 

As an instance, showing his natural resources: While in 
the employ of the Fur Company, in the depth of winter, it 
became manifest that one of the men must have his leg cut 
oif, or he would die. Entirely beyond the reach of surgical 
aid, the question was — ''What is to be done?" It was de- 
cided that they must perform the necessary operation, and try, 
at least, to save the man's life. They pitched upon young 
Scott, relying on his sagacity more than on that of any other. 
It was a new thought to him; he had heard of amputations, 
but of the modus operandi he had never had any information. 
He took a day to reflect on how it should be done, and tlie re- 
sult was, an operation skillfully and scientifically done, and a 
life saved. The only knowledge he had to guide him was, he 
knew the distinction between veins and arteries. This led him 
to the tourniquet; the hook for seizing the retracted arteries, 
and the means of discovering them. With a butcher-knife, a 
handsaw and a bent needle, he did his work. 

Hiram Osgood was a lawyer. Finding little call for law, he 
kept a tavern — the first in Grandville.- He was prosecuting 
attorney. 

Osgood died in 1841, and his family are all dead. 

Mr. Ballard was the first preacher, conducting service in the 
dining-room of the tavern in the fall of 1837. In the summer 
of 1838, he organized the Congregational church — the pioneer 
church of the denomination in the Valley. 

Let us go back a little, until the time when Britton and 
Brown came in — September, 1834. 

There was no house at Grandville but Indian huts; the one 
log house that had been built, had been burned. Some eight 
or ten families of Indians centered there, and had a large field 
of corn. These Indians were under a venerable old chief — As- 
to-quet— a first-rate, honest Indian. He died of small-pox in 
the spring of 1840. 

A journey from Ann Arbor took ten days. The musketoes 
were numerous and blood-thirsty ; and the ague — the pioneer's 



262 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

curse — was a terror. There was a saw-mill, but no grist-mill. 
Gideon H. Gordon was building a mill above where the plas- 
ter mill now is. 

The first grist mill— a run of small stones — was put in 
Ivetchum's saw-mill, in the fall of 1836, and Eli Cossit w^as tlie 
miller. Ketchum put up a flouring mill in 1840. His oper- 
ations belong rather to Georgetown than to "Wyoming. 

In 1837, July 4th, the Gov. Mason made its first trip, stop- 
ping at Grandville. It was a great day for the people — the 
4th of July, and a steamboat! They celebrated the day and 
the event. For a cannon, they had an old steam-pipe, and 
they " busted it gloriously." An oration was given by Dr. 
Scranton, from the wlieel-house of the boat. Just as the Doc- 
tor had got the " American Eagle " fairly grappled with the 
British Lion, the captain gave the signal, and the boat started 
dow^n the river. But must the oration be thus cut short in the 
midst of its loftiest periods? Tradition is silent. However 
l)adly the Doctor might feel, when obliged to close, or spend 
his eloquence on empty air, the people were jubilant. 
When all was ended, such as could walk, full of patriotism, 
went shouting home. The few who could not, sought repose 
under umbrageous trees. 

The winter of 1836-T was hard on the people here, as well 
as in the rest of the Yalley. They had little to eat, and all 
had to be packed in from the southern part of the State. Flour 
was sold for 10 cents a pound, pork for 18f , and beans were $6 
a bushel. 

Mr. AVilder asserts that in the spring of '37 he saw a chip- 
muck gnawing a gravel stone (Mr. AY., was it not an acorn?), 
with a lugubrious countenance, and with tears in its eyes. He 
killed the forlorn chipmuck, and had him for his supper. He 
(Wilder) also asserts that he, McCray and his two boys worked 
a whole day to unearth a woodchuck. They got him, and bore 
him home in triumph. 

The people ate flour that had been sunk in the river — glad 
to get that. They lived mostly on sturgeon. How they hailed 
a supply of flour that came down the river on a flat-boat. 
Still, they complain of no suffering^ and were haj^py, mIucIi 
shows how little happiness depends on fortune. 



GKAND KITER VALLEY, 263 

The first wedding in Wyoming, and probably in tbe Grand 
liiver Yalley, was that of Sylvester Hills and Harriet Burton, 
in the winter of 1835-6. 

Mr, Wilder says that soon after he came he attended a 
wedding at Esq, Abel's, where he sold his coat to the groom, 
and borrowed one for himself to wear as groomsman, 

A. pole boat — the "Cinderella" — was launched at Grand- 
ville, in June, 1837, It was a time of jubilee. All were in- 
vited, and they went onboard — old men and maidens, matrons 
and boys; had feasting and dancing, and abundant mirth. 
What would we think now of "launching a pole-boat?" Then 
such an event was a foretokening of brighter days, when they 
would live like otlier people. 

The town was organized as Byron, May 2d, 1836, The 
meeting was at the house of Charles H, Cakes, 

First officers: Gideon H, Gordon, Supervisor; Isaac A, 
Allen, Clerk; G, H, Gordon, Eobert Howlett, E, P, Walker, 
Justices. 

It was organized as " Wyoming " (Byron set-off) in 1848, 
at the house of Dwight Rankin, 

Wm, H. Godwin, Supervisor; Joseph Blake, Clerk ; Chase 
Edgerly, Treasurer; E. Yeomans, Eoswell Britton, Justices, 

The " city " of Grandville was laid out by the Grandville 
Company, mostly composed of Eastern men, in 1835, The 
original plat was eighty acres. The East and West Additions 
were platted in 1836, Lots, to builders, were sold for $25 ; to 
others for $100, But few were sold. It soon became mani- 
fest that Grandville was not the place for the city; and " lots " 
became a nuisance — sold for six cent taxes; and there was 
general languishment. It settled itself down to be a quiet 
country village, without expectations. The village has lately 
receiv^ed quite an impulse. Extensive plaster works have 
been set in operation, and some manufacturing, for which its 
facilities are good. These have given a new impulse; and the 
place is rapidly improving. They \u\o\v what is the basis on 
which they must rest — gypsum and manufactures. As these 
interests are developed, the place will grow; and it already 
shows the beginning of its future. 



264 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Grandville, and tlie rural district around it, organized them- 
selves into a school district, and erected a building for a Union 
School in 1867. This school-house has been much admired 
for its beautiful architectural proportions, and as doing honor 
to the public spirit of the people. At the time it was built, it 
was the finest '=''',hool-house in the county. This school is tlie 
crowning honor of the place, and the house is the most con- 
spicuous object there. The school has been well sustained, 
notwithstanding a protracted law-suit that grew out of its 
organization. That, happily, is ended, and the j)eople are 
happy in having first-rate facilities for the education of the 
young. 

Grandville has two churches — the Concrres^ational and the 
Methodist. 

The Congregational, as before intimated, is the pioneer 
church in the Grand River region. It was organized by Mr. 
Ballard, in 1838. In 1855, they erected for themselves a 
snug place of worship, and the church is in a prosperous con- 
dition. 

The Methodists have maintained an organization for many 
years, generally holding tlieir meetings in the school-house. 
In 1873, they completed their church, which had been begun 
some years before. 

The town of Wyoming has long been noted for its immense 
beds of gypsum, and the business in that line, which has been 
carried on there. That interest will be more fully noticed in 
an article by itself. 

We will take our leave of Wyoming by telling a ''little 
story" of Jemmy O'Neil, the mail-carrier. With the mail 
on his back, or in his hat, he was cheerily trudging through 
the woods, whistling as he went, M'hen an owl before him 
sung out: "Whoo-o-o, AVho-o-o." Jemmy answered: "lam 
Jemmy O'jN^eil, and I carr};- the mail." 

KENT COUNTY HISTORY. 

The legislative abstract that accompanies will give, in sub- 
stance, the history of the county. The records of the county 
were destroyed by a fire, in 1860, which renders it next to im- 



GEAND KIVER VALLEY. 265 

possible to give a full county historj. By that fire, the books 
of the County Clerk and those belonging to the office of Regis- 
ter of Deeds were mostly destroyed. The building, which at 
the time of the fire was occupied by the county offices, was at 
the junction of Lyon and Canal streets, on the south side. 

The Register of Deeds, Mr. Scranton, had :^' his own con- 
venience made an abstract of all the titles in tlie county. That 
book was saved, and a few volumes of titles. 

The act of 1861 was to give people, whose records were 
burned and who had not their original deeds, a chance to es- 
tablish their ownership. A special court for that purpose was 
created. Little was done under that act. There was a general 
re-recording of titles. The county afterwards purchased those 
abstracts of Mr. Scranton, and the Act of '65 was passed, mak- 
ing them prima facie evidence— equivalent to recorded deeds. 
It is not known that the title of any one was vitiated by the 
burning of the records. 

It will be perceived that, in 1837, the county was authorized 
to borrow money to build a court-house. The county, under the 
autliorization, built a court-house, on what is known as the 
"• Park," or " Court-House Square." It was of wood, and was 
considered a beautiful building. It stood but a few years, and 
was burned. A plain building for temporary purposes was 
erected afterwards, which was used as a court-house and high 
school. In 1848, this was abandoned, moved oft", and used as 
^ blacksmith shop; and the county has ever since hired rooms 
in private buildings for the use of the court. Soon after the 
lire, or in 1861, the fire-proof building was erected for the 
county offices. An addition was built to it in 1874. 

The jail was a temporary affair until 1870, when the present 
building — the "Sinners' Palace" — was erected on what vjas 
the "Island." Before that, prisoners were not treated with 
the respect due to crime and misdemeanor. At first, a cellar 
on Canal street was their ignoble abode. Afterwards, a wood- 
en building on the West side, without even the pretense of 
architectural display, was all the county afibrded for the accom- 
modation and entertainment of those who, perforce, were its 
guests. 



266 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Finallj, that class lias been fairlj, yes, cliivalrously dealt 
Avith; and one can go to jail and feel liis dignity as a gentleman 
not imposed npon. He is assigned liis room in a palace, and 
can enjoy his " otlum cum dignitate^'' living like a nabob at 
the county's expense. 

The business in Kent county, and all east, was necessarily 
(lone on the Grand River, above Grand Rapids, by pole boats, 
and below by steamers. For several years a small class of 
steamboats plied on the river, from the head of the rapids to 
Lyons. But all freight must necessarily be carted at the 
rapids about two miles. Although the people at the Rapids 
A\'ere willing that everything should pay tribute there, those 
living above did not fancy the idea. The project was con- 
ceived of a canal and locks around the rapids. The State 
met the petition with favor, and made a liberal appropriation. 
The contract to make the necessary dam, dig the canal, and 
build the locks, was taken by an energetic and honorable man 
— James Davis. He was allowed at lirst to select his lands, 
which he did, where he knew the Hollanders would purchase. 
He went on with the work, built the dam, and dug the canal 
to the point where the locks were to be; in the main, borrow- 
ing the means to do the work. 

Here comes in a transaction, or series of them, which 
probably adds nothing to the fair fame of the State of 
Michigan. After Mr. Davis had selected his lands, and had 
gone to work, an act was passed, or decision made, that Mr. 
D. could not himself sell those lands, but that they must be 
sold as State lands, and \\\% jyroceeds paid to him. They were 
sold to the Plollanders and paid for in gold. When the time 
came for Mr. D. to receive pay for what he had done, he went 
for his gold, which he knew had been paid into the treasury, 
and they would not give liim anything but State land war- 
rants, on which he could locate new lands. Mr. Davis was 
linancially ruined, and the work was stopped. The whole had 
resulted in a great improvement of the water-power at Grand 
Rapids, at Mr. Davis' and the State's expense. 

The prospect of a railroad, which would supersede the up- 
river navii»:ation. and the ultimate makinii: of the road, caused 



GEAND KIVEE VALLEY. 2GT 

the project of locking past tlie rapids to be given up, and tlie 
remainder of tlie appropriation was applied to improving the 
river in the interest of the lumbermen, which was the object 
of the act of 1855. It will be observed when the water is 
low that there is over the rapids a channel deeper than the 
rest. Tliat was made in the rock by "W. D. Foster and others, 
and paid for by the State appropriation. 

COUNTY OFFICEKS. 

Sheriff — Solomon Withey, 1836, Eaton; Leonard Snyder, 
Norton; D. S. Weller; Sluman S. Bailey, 1860; William 
Thornton, 1864; Sluman S. Bailey, 1866; Jesse Wykoff, 1868; 
Isaac Haynes, 1872. 

Judge of Probate — Jefferson Morrison, 1836; Amett Da- 
vis, 1845; S. L. Withey; Kobert Sinclair, 1856; William A. 
Robinson, 1860; Benjamin A. Harlan, 1864; Cyrus Perkins, 
1876. 

County Clerk — Peter P. L. Pierce; Daniel McNaughton, 
1868; Ilobart H. Chipman, 1872. 

Register of Deeds — Luther Beebe, John M. Fox, John R. 
Stewart, William G. Beckwith, 1866; Simeon Hunt, 1872. 

Treasurer — Hiram Hinsdill, 1836; Aaron Dikeman, Solo- 
mon Kingsbury, JSTelson Robinson, Thompson I. Daniels; 
George Young, 1866; Henry Bremer, 1872. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Thomas B. Church; Tliaddeus 
Foote; E.G.D. Holden, 1862; Byron D.Bali, 1866; Andrew 
Rieves, 1868; Edwin A. Burlingham, 1872. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — Eben Smith, 1860 and '62; 
Henry Thompson, 1864; John D. Edmonds, 1864; John 
D. Edmonds, 1864; Eben Smith, 1866-68; George K White, 
1866; O. H. Simonds, 1868 and '70; James B. Wilson, 1870 
and '72 and '74; Laurens W. Wolcott, 1872. 

Surveyor— John F. Tinkham, 1860; Ed. L. Briggs, 1862; 
Riley Smith, 1866; Robert S. Jackson, 1870; Door Skeels, 
1874. 

County Judge — Dewitt C. Lawrence, Martin, Leonard 

Bement. 

Representatives — James W. Ransom, Samuel W. Garfield, 
Ed. L. Briggs, E. C. Watkins, 1874. 



268 MEMORIALS OF THE 

School Siiperi ntendents— Chester C. Bricknell, 1S6T; Ilem-y 
B. FalLass, 1862; Geo. A. Eannev, 1873. Held until the aboli- 
tion of the office in 1874-5. 

Represented in Congress by — Francis W. Kellog, I860; 
Thomas W. Ferry, 1864; Wilder D. Foster, 1871; William 
B. Williams, 1873. 

Ferry was promoted to the Senate, and Foster was elected to 
serve his unexpired term. 

Foster was re-elected, but died, and Williams was elected in 
his place. 

Drain Commissioners — John F. Tinkham, 1869; Bobert S. 
Jackson, 1871. 

Constitutional Convention — Thomas B. Church, Thomas 
W. Ferry. Representing Kent and Ottawa — Jacob Ferris, S. 
L. Withey, Lyman Murray, Milton C. Watkins, 1867. 



GKAm) EIVEK VALLEY. 269 



THE INDIAN. 

INDIAN CHARACTER, 

It is customary to think of the Indians as a race naturally 
inferior, and to suppose that in character they assimilate to the 
wild beast. Those who have been in intimate association with 
the Indians of Michigan, almost uniformly speak of them with 
respect, as intellectual, honorable, kind and manly. They have 
not been improved, but degraded, by their intercourse with 
the whites. 

By nature and habit the proudest people on earth, they have 
been humiliated. When you have humbled a people, or a 
person, you are not to look for manliness. Humility is a good 
element in a slave, but not in a man. 

The Indians have felt the superiority of the arts and civil- 
ization of the whites, and thus have learned to look on them- 
selves as inferior, We have showed them by our bearing that 
we looked on them as Indians, and not as men, and have thus 
aided to humble them. Humbled, they have not emulated the 
dignity and culture of the civilized; but have fallen in with 
the lowest habits of the whites. Those who really wished to 
do them good have helped to lower their pride, and have in- 
voluntarily contributed to their degradation. The mission- 
aries, who, with devoted zeal, labored among them, learned them 
to despise themselves — as Indians; and their well-intended 
efforts resulted in lowering Indian character. The Indian is 
educated^ and thoroughly, too, for life in the wilds. It is use- 
less to attempt to show them that all this education is not 
manly; to seek to have them abandon that as their dependence. 
The tilling of the earth, the arts and civilized culture should 
])e superadded, not made to supersede the arts and wisdom of 
the Indian. Hunting is the Indian's trade. Some of the 
missionaries have discouraged that, and they became idle and 



270 MEMORIALS OF THE 

loafcrish. It takes the Indian a long time to acquire the habit 
of constant labor that civilization requires. You may make 
him work a da}'^, or a week, but he has no relish for steady 
work. It is best to encourage him to hunt. It is easy to con- 
vert the Indian to nominal Christianity; they have no strongly 
rooted religion to break np, and readily give in their acquies- 
cence to the relio-ion tauojht them. The missionaries have been 
flattered with their success, when tlie}^ have adopted their 
faith and worship, seemingly thinking that was all that was 
•■desirable. Generally, the result was not good. The Catho- 
lics have been more successful in missionary efforts than the 
Protestants. They hav'e allowed their converts to be Indians; 
find have, without breaking up Indian habits, engrafted on the 
habits of the white man. By so doing, they have improved 
the people of their missions, Protestants have too much 
8pent their strength in making converts, and have fiiiled tc 
improve. 

It is well known that the French are the only people wIki 
had the Indian confidence. The reason of it is very simple; 
the French recognized their manhood; assimilated themselves 
to Indian habits; took wives from among them; and entered 
into their feelings and S3"mpathies. The Indians have ever 
had confidence in the French and have been jealous of others. 
AVh}^? We Yankees have let them know that we felt above 
them ; despised their habits and arts. The consequence has 
been natural. They have done just as you or I would have 
flone— refused to be instructed by those who have no sympa- 
thy. The Indian, when you come to his cabin and turn u]i 
your nose at what you see, feels much as I do when some 
purse-proud fool scans my humble dwelling. The Catholic 
missionaries have given the Indians their symj^athy; not 
their pity and contempt j and through this have been in- 
fiuential; and through Christianity, the}^ have made civ- 
ilizing influences efficient. They relied on conversion as a 
means and not an end. At the Catholic missions, the Indians 
hunt in the hunting season; and they also cultivate the earth, 
and work at mechanic trades. They are Indians with civilized 
habits as an addition, not a substitute. Their children may 
fully take their place beside the white man. 



GRAND UIVV.R VAT.LET. 271 

Indian character and habits have been mnch misunderstood 
and misrepresented. 'Tis true they are vindictive, and will 
liavc their revenge. So are we; and we just as perseveringly 
seek our revenge. We seek it in the law, by bringing down 
the vengeance of the State upon the one who has injured us; 
they are a law to themselves, and seek tlieir own redress. As 
enemies, they are fiends. When they have dug up the hatchet, 
it is an act of religion to carry terror in any sliape to their foe. 
But as friends they are true" and honorable. You enter a 
strange Indian's cabin and lie down to rest; you are safe; and 
your property is safe If you trust it to his hand. Kever doubt 
liim, and he will not fail you. Pilfering was not of their 
vices. The early traders testify that goods left exposed were 
safe; that the Indian was honorable in paying his debts; that 
there was no skulking or chicanery among them. 

Tlie way of collecting debts of them was a little peculiar, 
and we should not like it. The creditor, if he saw any furs or 
])eltrv, took them, and gave credit for their value. He did not 
say "By your leave, sir," but attached and carried off. By 
Indian custom it was all right. 

The Indians were industrious in their way. The men and 
women divided the labor among them, and each knew their own 
work and did it. The division line was not exactly where we 
place it, but the principle was the same. There was men's 
work and women's work. Hunting, fishing and raising corn, 
were their means of living. The Indians did not hunt as 
sportsmen, or fish with the spirit of Walton. When the game 
was brought home, it was the squaM's' business to dress and 
cook it. They also did the drudgery about the camp; and 
despised the man who would help about such woi'k. They 
also raised the corn. The man was the hunter and the loar- 
rior/ and his standing among them depended on his character 
as such. The chase was his labor; and success in it was his 
])ride. That the squaw was the slave, is just as true as that 
the white woman is the slave of her husband. True, she had 
her hard work, and so had he. She acknowledged her husband 
as her head; and was proud of her devotion to liim, just as 
some white women do and feel. And it may be further said, 
they were loyal to their husbands. 



272 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The Indian is as much a domestic man as any in the world ; 
and he as fondlj cherishes his wife and children. Indian 
stoicism and Indian pride liav^e caused their family relations 
to be misunderstood. The truth is, their customs rigidly di- 
vides the duties of the sexes; and either party resents an inter- 
ference. On their journeys, the squaws are seen carrjdng loads; 
the men not. Should a man take the load, all the squaws would 
hoot and despise him. It might also have been observed that 
if they had but one pony, the squaw rode, and the man went 
on foot; which certainly looks as though there was some gal- 
lantry. 

The character of the Indian has not been improved by hir. 
intercourse with the whites. Whisky seems to be perfectly 
natural to him, and the trouble is, he never knows when he 
has got enough. To get it, he will sacrifice anything, go to 
any distance, or submit to any humiliation. As a consequence 
of this succumbing to the vices of the whites, they have in a 
great degree lost the manly simplicity of their character, 
and are dying oft'. The wiser ones among them are reading 
their doom — they must adopt the higher civilization or die. 
Some are doing that, while too many are sinking into that 
nothingness which is the prelude to extinction. 

The Indian, as such, cannot much longer exist, lie must 
be civilized or die. The earth was made to cultivate, and not 
for a hunting range. The Indians must cultivate the earth, or 
cease to exist. It is indeed hard, but moralize upon it as we 
may, the world will never acknowledge those Avho rove over a 
country as its owners, nor will it allow weak nomads to 
occupy lands capable of sustaining a dense population. 

While we assume possession of the lands the Indian called 
liis own, and doom him to live within narrow bounds or die, 
let us do justice to the Indian of the past, and give a chance 
to the Indian of the future. Our State kindly deals with them, 
and opens to them every avenue to wealth or honor. But it 
is not to him as a savage, but as a civilized man. The savages 
are disappearing; have disappeared. What is left of the once 
proud tribes is dividing itself between civilization and death. 
AVe fear that death will get more than its share. But we can- 



GRAND KITEB VALLEY. 273 

not allow 5,000 aci'es to a man. The world must be held by 
those who will use it. 

INDIANS OF SOUTHEEN MICHIGAN. 

The information in the following article was obtained mostly 
from a gentleman who spent his early years among the In- 
dians — was educated with them in the mission school, and who 
afterwards was a trader among them. He chooses that his 
name shall not be given. 

The southern part of this State, and the northern part of 
Indiana and Illinois were occupied by the Pottawatomies, a 
more warlike tribe than the Ottawas and Chippewas, who lived 
north of them. They roamed over that part of the State soutli 
of the Central Railroad. Though there was no definite line 
between them and the Ottawas, yet by general consent each 
observed a line, beyond which the claim of the other was ac- 
knowledged. ISTear the mouth of the St. Joseph River was a 
band of four or five hundred, whose chief was Opekagun — a 
smart intelligent man — tall, straight and good looking, as 
indeed an Indian chief is likely to be; physical manliness 
being what leads to that position. There was another band of 
about 100, six miles below Niles, whose chief, Cogga-moccasin 
(Porcupine Shoe), was in the battle of Tippecanoe with Tccum- 
seh, where he was wounded and left for dead. He lay for 
three days after the battle in a marsh. The old fellow lived, 
however, and afterwards, when drunk, would show his scars, 
and tell of the battle, but would say nothing of them when 
sober. The head chief of the whole was Cliebas, whose resi- 
dence was at the head- waters of the Wabash. A chief of 
high standing, called Wizzoo, lived at jSTiles. Their other 
chiefs were Loo-aman and Poo-atj-un. 

Indian character is nearly the same at all places, where not 
spoiled by the white man. The Pottawatomies at the time 
(1825), were in full possession ; and the few whites who resided 
amongst them, were entirely subordinate, and found it expe- 
dient to let the Indians have their own M^ay. If an Indian 
wanted anything, he would take it openly, and pay for it after- 
wards, if he could; if not, you had only to send in your bill at 

18 



274 MEMORIALS OF THE 

the payment, and it would lie duly honored by the chiefs. 
They were in turn hospitable and accoinmodating. If you 
wanted anything of theirs, it was yours. They would do any- 
thing to help a white family in need— liunt for them, and 
bring them game, when they had nothing at home. G-oods 
might be left by the traders on tlie bank of the river for a 
month, or exposed in an open field, with perfect safety. They 
never thought of stealing from one another, and no care was 
taken to protect their property. They lived without law or 
lawyers. Murder was avenged by the relatives of the slain, or 
settled with the murderer. When the relatives were satisfied, 
the clan would not interfere. An instance of this kind oc- 
curred under the cognizance of our informant, about four miles 
from Niles. Old Black Wolf was killed there by an Indian ; 
liis squaw came up to the murderer, saying: " See here, my 
brother, you don't want to kill w-g, do you? " He answered, 
" ]^o, I don't hurt a woman." She then invited him to go to 
!i trader, at some distance, and get whisky, and they would 
settle the afijiir; he consented. Before starting, she told him 
it M'ould look as though he wanted to hurt her, if he carried his 
clul), and enticed him to let her carry it. They proceeded 
amicably, chatting as they went, she leading the way. At 
length, having thrown him entirely ofi" his guard, she sud- 
denly turned upon him, and killed him with his own club. 
That ended the matter; all were satisfied. 

The Sacs and Foxes were a terror to them. Those Indians 
received a tribute from Great Britain, and went to Canada for 
it; they went four hundred miles to get about $4 apiece. 
They were very vexatious to the Pottawatomies when pass- 
ing through the country. Our government finally prohibited 
their going for this tril)ute: 

By treaty stipulations the Pottawatomies were forced to go 
west of the Mississippi. They were sent off, but would come 
back. Gen. Scott was baffled by them. The treaty and laws 
were hard on the Indians. They could not stay and be citi- 
zens. Some had farms with improvements, but they must go. 
They would not go, however ; catch them and they would escape. 
Gen. Scott, baffled in his endeavors, got an Indian trader 



GRAND RIVER TALLET. 275 

by the name of Coqnilard to induce them to remain -s^ere 
sent. He succeeded, in the main, and made a fortune by the 
operation. Some did not go; but lived about in scattered 
bands, scarce coalescing with the otlier Indians, and with no 
bond of union among themselves. 

A large Mission School was established at Niles, under the 
superintendence of the Rev. Mr. McCoy. The Mission took 
and supported all that offered; and at one time had 300 schol- 
ars. The writer has availed himself of every possible source 
of information, to ascertain the effect of these Missions; and 
all testimony is to this point — that their result was evil, and 
nothing else. There was no place in the world for the educa- 
ted Indian. Civilization offered them no place; and, unskilled 
in Indian arts, they were despised by the Indians; and without 
the means of living, they became outcasts. They were not 
received as associates by the whites; Indian habits were bro- 
ken up, and the simplicity of Indian character. They were 
themselves too proud to return to Indian life; and company 
and fellow of neither white man or Indian, what could they 
do? What they did do was to sink into vice and degradation. 
Lazy and dishonest, no confidence could be placed in them. It 
is impossible for one to be a man unless sustained; and what 
was there to sustain the educated Indian? Too proud to be an 
Indian, and despised by tliem in turn, and uncountenanced bv 
the whites, what could they do? Now the Indian has a chance 
to be a man among men; then he had not. The school at 
Niles was admirably conducted, and the teachers were zealous; 
but missionary and teacher were ashamed of their pupils, soon 
after they left the school. There was scarce an exception to 
the general rule — no good came of it. They tried to make 
civilized men and women of those who could have no place 
among the civilized, and none among the savage. There is 
such a thing as beginning a good work at the wrong end. Ag- 
riculture and the arts should j^recede literature and science; 
and those should precede or accompany theology. Missionary 
zeal generally begins with theology,and wofully fails ; not from 
lack of good intentions, but from lack of wisdom. 



276 MEMORIALS OF THE 

M 

INDIANS, AS FOUND BY THE EAELY TEA DEES. 

From tlie earliest times there has been a chxss of men wlio 
have made a bvisiness of trading with the Indians for fnrs and 
pehries. Thej were generally locomotive, bnt wonld tempo- 
rarily occnpy stations or trading posts. Very early in the 
history of America, Michigan was penetrated by the Canadian 
French; and the two posts, Detroit and Mackinaw, were their 
centers of operations. Of those who, in pnrsnit of fnr, pene- 
trated to the Grand River Valley, we know nothing; and there 
is no reason why we should care to know. They left behind 
no monnmental traces of their history. They got what they 
wanted, and departed with their gains. 

The business of trading with the Indians was not open, and 
could only be carried on under a license from the United 
States. 

The position of the trader was a peculiar one; and he must 
necessarily be the friend and benefactor of the Indians. The 
Indians were the lords of the territory, and wonld allow no 
white man to remain among them, unless he had their confi- 
dence. The United States also exercised a supervision over 
intercourse with them; and would permit no one to do busi- 
ness with them as a trader, without giving bonds to follow the 
rnles laid down by the Government, and taking an oath to 
abide by those rules. The trader was also to have a license 
from the Superintendent of Indian Aflt'airs. This license was 
liable to be revoked on complaint of the Indians, or of any- 
body else. The Government wonld protect no nnli censed 
trader, either in his person or his property, and wonld protect 
no licensed trader unless he complied with the rnles laid down 
for his'guidance. Here is a copy of the " Instructions " received : 

Instructions to Louis Campau, this daj'' licensed to trade witli the Indian 
nation at 

1. Your trade will be confined to the place to which you are licensed. 

2. Your transactions with the Indians will be confined to fair and friendly 
trade. 

3. You will attend no Councils held by the Indians, nor send them any 
talk or speech, accompanied by wampum. 

4. You are forbidden to take any spirituous liquors of any kind into the 
Indian country; or to give, sell or dispose of any to the Indians. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 277 

5. Should any person attempt to trade in the Indian coiintiy without a 
license; or should any licensed traders caiTy any spii-ituous liquors into the 
Indian country; or give, sell or dispose of any to the Indians, the Indians 
are authorized to seize and take to their own use the goods of such traders; 
and the owner shall have no claim on the Indians or the United States for 
the same. 

6. Should you leani that there is any person in the Indian country, trad- 
ing without a license, you will immediately report the name of such person, 
and the place where he is trading, to some Indian agent. 

7. The substance of the 5th i-egulation you will communicate to the 
Indians. 

8. You will take all proper occasions to inculcate upon the Indians the 
necessity of peace; and to state to them that it is the wish of their Great 
Father, the President, to live in harmony with them; and that they must 
shut their ears to any wild stories there may be in circulation. 

Given mider my hand, at the city of Detroit, this, 15th day of Novem- 
ber, 182-2. 

William Woodbridge, Secretaiy, 
and at present vested with the powers of Superintendent of Indian Affairs 
therein. 

Witli liis license and liis goods the trader repaired to tlie 
place where he was authorized to do business. By the way, 
liis license was not general, but confined him to a specific lo- 
cation. Every subdivision of his business, and every sub- 
trader must have a license. 

On his arrival, a council of Indians would decide whether 
he might remain and be their trader. If displeased with him, 
they drove him away. If the}' chose to have him remain, 
they gave him substantial tokens of their good will; and 
would stand by him; at the same time they expected that he 
will stand b}^ them. 

Many of the traders, to increase the confidence of the In- 
dians, would take an Indian wife, and thus seal the proof of 
their kindly sympathy. Indeed the Indians demanded this 
proof. The alliances thus formed M'ere generallly for one 
hnndred moons, when, according to the Indian usage, the wife 
might be let go. 

As a general thing mutual confidence and respect existed 
between the traders and the Indians. 

The 4th of the above instructions was never strictly ob- 
served. Bj the connivance of the authorities, three times in 



278 MEMORIALS OF THE 

the year, on occasion of the Indian festivals, liquor was fur- 
nished them for a general carouse. These bacchanalian events 
were under the care of the traders themselves. At those times 
the Indians would have the liquor, and would go for it hun- 
(h-eds of miles, rather than not have it. It was judged exj)e- 
dient to permit the traders to furnish it for them. The trader 
provided them a house for their revel, and guarded them hy 
his employes; and every care was taken that they should not 
hurt one another, or be injured w^lien too drunk to take care 
of themselves. Tlie jollification over, the gate was shut down. 

They had a way of avoidiug the license at the trading sta- 
tions, by supplying a trusty Indian or squaw with goods to 
be sold to their band. Tliis was financially safe. Goods to 
the amount of $1,000, were often tlius entrusted to an Indian. 
The goods were mostly sold on credit, to be paid for when they 
returned from tiieir hunting expedition. These private credits 
were often $100 or more. It would not do not to trust them ; 
tiiere must be confidence. 

All accounts concur in statintj^ that Indian honor is not 
now what it once was. They have been cheated, and have 
learned to be as big I'ascals as any of their white neighbors; 
and they are charily trusted. 

There is a strong bond of sjnnpathy between the old Indian 
Traders; and they are very jealous of the honor of their pro- 
fession. The wild, half-civilized life they led, away from all 
sympathy, excepting that of the savages and each other, ren- 
dered them a fraternity, strongly bound together. The nature 
i>f their intercourse with the Indians was such as would show 
them the best side of Indian character, and strongly attach 
them to the race. The French traders, as a general thing are 
warnd}^ attached to the Indians; and have little of the Amer- 
ican prejudice. They wounded not the Indian's pride; but 
met him as a fellow-man. It was woe to the Indian when the 
American met him in indiscriminate trade. 

In 1825, Kix Ilobinson, and in 1827, Louis Campau located 
themselves as Iiidian Traders. Robinson's principal station 
was at Ada. Campau brought on about $5,000 worth of 
£i"Oods; and commenced business on the west side of the river 



GRAND KIVER VALI-EY. 279 

at the Mission Station, where Mr. Slater was endeavoring to 
( 'hristianize and educate the sons of the forest. This Mission 
had its history. 

There were, on tlie west side some 500 Indians, under the 
cliiefs Nonoquahezich (Noon Day), and his son-in-law 
Mixicinny (called " Yonng Chief"). Four miles south, on 
what is known as the " Bemis Farm," Makcottiooski (Black 
Skin) had a village, numbering some 800. There was another 
village at Battle Point, whose chief was Onamontapay (Old 
liock). The other villages of the Valley were the clan of 
Mocottiquahquosh (Old Hog), at German Flats, on the 
Maple River, mimbering 800; the second chief was Moccat- 
tiocquit (Black Cloud) and the clan of Kewicooshcnm (Lono; 
Nose), at the mouth of Flat River, where Cobmoosa w^as 
second chief. 

The chiefs of these clans controlled all the Indians in the 
Valley. In the war of 1812, they were all engaged on the 
side of Great Britain. It was the boast of Black Skin that he 
was the first to apply the torch to the village of Buffalo. He 
died in 1808, in extreme old age. Noon Day moved off with 
the ''■Slater Indians," to the vicinity of Gull Prairie, where 
he died about 1840, supposed to be 100 years old. He was a 
man very much esteemed by the whites; was generous and 
noble. 

The Indians of that time were a proud, high-spirited race; 
rich, and made great display of their wealth. Their chiefs, 
almost without exception, were high-souled men. 

These bands have mostly removed to the reservations in 
Oceana count_y. The aforementioned chiefs are probably all 
(lead; most of them dying before going to the reservations. 
In 1816, old Moccottiocquit made his last visit to Grand 
llapids. He was brought there at the time of the Indian 
])ayment, in the last stages of marasmus — a poor, pitiable 
(object, without the least gleaming of intellect, and was 
t'-arried back to die. He was then a noble wreck, with majesty 
in the skeleton look of his magnificent frame. By the people 
along. Maple River he is remembered with much honor, as 
one of God's noblemen. 



280 MEMORIALS OF THE 

FLAT EIVER INDIANS. 

About 300 or 400 Indians centered at the mouth of the 
Flat Kiver. Their last chief there was Shogvvogeno, a young 
man. Cobmoosa was a sub-chief, as was also Wobwindego, 
the father of the chief. Cobmoosa was an old man of most 
majestic appearance. His maimer of walking gave him his 
name — " The Grand Walk." He had a Mormon supply of 
wives — no less than six, three of whom were Wobwindego's 
(laughters. AVobwindego was the chief until he gave place 
to his son Shoo:vvo'2:eno. He had three other sons— Aishkib- 
egosh, Acongo and Wabesis. The last was a son by adoption. 
His history and fate are elsewhere given. 

When the Indians moved to their reservation at Penwater, 
Cobmoosa at first stayed behind. He could not leave the 
graves of his forefathers, and the scenes of his early days. 
To the last he remaiued an Indian, living in a wigwam, 
though rich ; and dressing and living in Indian style. 
Though most of the others in some degree adopted the dress 
and style of the whites, he presisted in his old habits. He 
said to Mr. Campau: "I am an Indian; and can be nothing- 
else. I wish my people and my children to be civilized. I 
know your ways are superior to ours, and that my people 
must adopt them or die. But I cannot change. The ,young 
can adopt new ways; the old cannot. I shall soon pass away, 
living and dying an Indian. You can bend the young tree, 
but not the old oak." But, bent and broken by age, he did at 
last go with his people, and died very old at Pent water, in 
1872. 

Cobmoosa was a man of mark. He was not so amiable or 
respected as some of the other chiefs; he owed his position 
among them mostly to his majestic mien and his eloquence. 
His personal bearing was majestic, and before age had bowed 
him down he walked the earth as a king. The writer first 
saw him at the Indian payment, at Grand Rapids in the fall 
of 1846. He was then tastefully dressed in Indian style, and 
seemed proud that he was an Indian. But each passing year 
took away from his kingly bearing, and soon Cobmoosa was 
but a bowed and shuffling old man, who, when last seen, 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 281 

had so far humbled his Indian pride as to wear a white 
man's coat, and he walked the streets of Grand Kapids as 
an old white man does, whom death has neglected. 

The lingering behind of old Cobmoosa gave rise to the fol- 
lowing, which was published in one of the Grand Kapids 
papers : 

cobmoosa's lament. 

My step is the tread of a warrior no more; 
The days of my pride and my glory are o'erj 
No more shall I follow the foeman's track; 
No more shall the war-chief welcome me back; 
My bow, my nerves, and my heai't are mistrung; 
My death-song alone remains to be sung. 
The braves of my clan have sunk to their rest; 
Their children are gone to the north and the west; 
The forests have fallen, the land is sold; 
Our birthright is gone for the Christian's gold. 
And manhood has passed from the Indian's brow, 
Since he gave the soil to the white man's plow. 
The lord of the forest is lord no more ; 
The pride of his manly soul is o'er. 
The fields, where he won his youthful fame, 
On the track of the foe, or in quest of game, 
Are his no more. 

Unmanned he goes 
To brood over the Indian's doom and woes; 
His doom he sees in the towering halls, 
His doom he reads, as the forest falls. 
His doom he hears in the Sabbath chime, 
His doom he reads in the march of time; 
Will it shame thy heart, proud white man, say, 
To shed a tear as we pass away ? 

As for me, I go not where my kindred have gone; 

By the grave of my father I'll linger alone. 

The oak may be rent by the lightning of heaven; 

The storm -wind may bow it, its stem may be riven; 

But with trunk sere and blasted, and shorn of its bays, 

Still grasping the earth, it proudly decays. 

As a son of the forest I lived in my pride; 

As sons of the forest my forefathers died. 

'Till. I go to the land where the bright waters shine , 

I'll live by their graves, and their grave shall be mine; 

I linger not long, my nerves are unstrung, 

My death song is ready, it soon will be sung. 



282 MEMOEIALS OF THE 



HOLLAND BAND. 



Kear Holland was a band of about 300, under Wakazoo, 
who was recognized as chief by the Indians and by the U. S. 
government. These Indians made some advances in civiliza- 
tion; used oxen, carts, plows, etc.; learned to use the ax; had 
a church, made of lumber picked up on the lake shore. To 
some extent they adopted the dress and customs of the whites; 
raised corn, potatoes and squashes. A few learned to read. 
They had some log houses, which they used mostly for storage, 
generally living in the common Indian wigwams. Isaac Fair- 
banks, who now is a justice of peace in Holland, was the gov- 
ernment farmer among them. 

Mr. F. represents the Indians as peaceable, friendly and 
honest; to the last degree hospitable and courteous to stran- 
gers; not only willing to share with others, but to give up all 
in their generous hospitality. He represents the chief, Waka- 
zoo, as a native nobleman; talented, sagacious and manly. He 
was morally a good man; generally temperate, but, towards 
the last, a drinker. Drinking caused his death. He was of 
medium size, with strongly marked Indian features; of com- 
manding presence; a line orator, and noble fellow. He was 
very old. 

Maxsauba was also a leader; claimed to be a chief; was 
talented, but not so amiable. 

The Indian farms were about three miles southeast from 
Holland. 

In 1818, the Mission was moved to Grand Traverse. A 
few remained behind. The missionary teacher was Geo. N. 
Smith, now of Northport, Grand Traverse. 

CHIPPEWA MYTHOLOGY. 

The following is extracted from the writings of Thomas L. McKinnej^ who, 
as United States Commissioner, was sent, in conjunction with Gen. Cass, 
to negotiate a treaty with the Chippawas of Michigan, August, 1826. 

It is proper to premise, that the Mrs. Johnson referred to as narrating the 
legend, was the wife of Mr. Johnson, an Irishman, who, traveling by Lake 
Superior, became enamored with the daughter of the famous chief, "Waba- 
jick; " afterwards married her, and spent his life educating his family — a 
iiunily spoken of in the highest terms by all who knew them. Of this Mrs. 
Johnson, Mr. McKinney speaks in the following terms of high appreciation: 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 283 

Mrs. Johnson is a genuine Chippewa., without the smallest admixture of 
white blood. She is tall and large, but uncommonly active and cheerful. She 
dresses nearly in the custom of her nation. Her hair is black; her eyes are 
black and expressive, and pretty well marked, according to phrenologists, 
with the development of language. Her face, taken altogether, denotes a 
vigorous intellect and great firmness of character; and needs only to be seen, 
to satisfy a tyro in physiognomy, that she required only the advantages of 
education and society, to have placed her on the level with the most distin- 
guished of her sex. As it is, she is a prodigy. As a wife, she is devoted to 
her husband; as a mother, tender and affectionate; as a friend, faithful. 
Hhe manages her domestic concerns in a way that might afford lessons to the 
better instructed. They are rarely exceeded anywhere; wiiilst she vies with 
her generous husband in his hospitality to strangers. She underefands, but 
will not speak English. As to influence, there is no chief in the Cliippewa 
nation, who exercises it, when it is necessary for her so to do, with equal 
success. Gen. Cass acknowledges his deep obligation to her in 1820, for, at 
a critical time in the negotiation, when the prospect was that all would fail, 
interposing her influence, and by her pui-suasive reasonings with the Indians, 
saving the treaty. She has never been known, in a single instance, to coun- 
cil her people but in accordance with her convictions of what was best for 
them, and never in opposition to the government. Her Indian name is 
'■ Oshan-guscoday-way-gua." 

She was the motlier of Mrs. Schoolcraft, and Mrs. Oaks. Her picture, at- 
tested by Mrs. T. D. Gilbert, who knew her well, as being life-like nnd true 
to the original, is now before the writer. It evidences mental and moral 
dignity and greatness. But to our Indian story. 

She was asked by McKinney to give him some of the traditions of her peo- 
ple, and she, in Chippewa, with great spirit, gave him the following, which 
was translated by her husband and daughter: 

" A man from the North, gray-headed, and leaning on his staff, went 
loving over all countries and climes. Looking roimd him one day, after hav- 
ing traveled, without intermission, for four moons, he sought a spot on which 
to recline and rest himself. He had not been long seated before he saw be- 
fore him a young man, very beautiful in exterior, with rosy cheeks, sparkling 
eyes, and his head crowned with flowers, and from between his lips he blew 
a breath as sweet as the wild mountain rose. Said the old man to him as he 
leaned upon his staff, his beard reaching low down upon his breast, ' Let us 
repose here awhile, and convei-se a little. But first we will build a fire, and 
and we will bring together much wood, for it will be needed to keep us 
warm.' The fire was made, and each took his seat by it, and began to con- 
verse — each telling the other where he came from, and M'hat had befallen 
him on the way, Presently the young man felt cold. He looked round him 
to see what had produced the change, and pressed his hands against his 
cheeks to keep them warm. At this moment the old man spoke, and said: 
' When I wish to cross a river, I blow upon it and make it hard and walk 
over on its surface. I have only to speak and bid the waters be still, and 
touch them with my finger, and they become hard as stone. The tread of 
uiy foot makes soft things hard, and my power is boundless.' 



284 MEMORIALS OF THE 

" The young man, feeling still colder, and growing tired of the old man's 
boasting, and morning being nigh, as seen by the rosy tints in the east, 
said: ' Now, my friend, I wish to speak.' ' Speak,' said the old man, ' My 
ear, though it be old, is open, it can hear.' ' I go,' said the young man. 
'over all the earth, too. I have seen it covered witli snow, and the waters 
I have seen hard; but I have only passed over them and the siiow has melted, 
the mountain rivulets have begun to run, and rivers to move, and the ice to 
melt. The earth has become green under my tread; the flowers blossomed, 
the birds were joyful, and all that you have referred to as produced by your 
power, has vanished.' 

" The old man fetched a deep sigh; and, shaking his head, said: ' I know 
thee — thou art Spring.' 'True,' said the young man, 'and here behold my 
head; see it crowned with flowers; and my cheeks, how they bloom. Come, 
near, and touch me. Thou,' exclaimed the young man, 'art Winter. I know 
thy i)Ower is great, but thou darest not come to my country. Thy beard 
would Ml off, all thy strength would fail, and thou wouldst die.' The old 
man felt the truth of the remark, and before the morning was fully come he 
was seen vanishing away! But each, before they parted, expressed the 
wish that they might meet again." 

"My wife," said Johnson, having told you a Chippewa allegory, I will 
tell you first a tale of generous heroism, and then one of superstition." So 
he began : 

''The following story I got from Gitche-gansine. Gitche-gansine was a 
distinguished warrior. After a great battle with the Sioux, a few skulkers 
took off the bodies of some of the slain, and made soup of them. Gitche- 
gansine, passing by at the time, they said unto him, ""Are you brave enough 
to partake of our mess, and assist us in eating the bodies of the slain?" 
'No,' said he, 1 killed them, but only men base like you, can eat tliem.' 

"Some years afterward, Gitche-gausme fell sick, and, all supposed, died. 
His wife, contrary to Indian custom, instead of burying him the same day, 
kept his corpse four days, insisting that he was not dead; but nevertheless, 
tied the bag to his back, which it is usual to bury with the dead, and in 
which supplies are put. On the fourth day, she put her hand to his breast 
and felt it vise; and soon after discovered that he was not dead. Shortly 
after, Gitche-gansine opened his eyes and spoke, saying, 0, but 1 have 
slept long! I have had a strange dream! It immediately occurred to his 
wife that she had not, as is the custom of this people, put by his side his ket- 
tle and the various other things that are usually put by the side of the de- 
ceased, to assist him in getting a support in the land of souls. The thought 
had but just passed when he continued and said: — "Why did you not place 
my kettle and my bows and arrows beside me? Now 1 know the reason why 
I have come back. I have said I have had a strange dream. I was going 
along the paths the spirits tread, and it was smooth. I saw many peoplt; 
traveling along this path, and of various descriptions, and all carrying 
burdens of various kinds. I saw many lodges, and in them the drums were 
beating; and there .was dancing in them all; but nobody invited me to join 
the dance. Every person who spoke to me, asked, ' Where are you going V ' 
' Why do you return ?' I also saw much game; many deer and elk, etc., 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 285 

and feeling for my arrows, and finding I had none, I determined on returning. 
I saw a woman; 'You need not return' said she; 'here is a kettle; and 
here,' said another, 'is a gun.' I took them, but still determined to return, 
l>ecause those were not my own. As I arrived near my own lodge, I found 
myself on the borders of a fiery plain. I examined it. It was a circle of 
fire and my own lodge was in the middle of the circle. I asked myself how 
am I to cross this fire? I resolved to try; when, making a strong exertion, I 
leaped through the flames and found it was a dream." 

FROM MCKINNEy's LETTERS. 

The introductory paragraph is to show the Indian idea of malicious spells. 
It is to be premised that McKiuney had become much interested in an Indian 
girl, who was blind and paralytic. 

'^ At this moment her mother spoke and said, it was an Indian who had 
done that. 'How?' I asked. ' He put a si^ell upon her,' she answered. 
' For what? ' She said she did not know. I had the same question put to 
lier father, who had that moment come in. He answered by saying that the 
Indian wished to marry her, and she did not favor his application; and he 
supposed it was for that he put the spell upon her. I asked the father, 
through the interpreter, who made the world? and got for answer the follow- 
ing story: 

" It was made by Nanibojou. Nanibojou and two wolves went out hunt- 
ing. After the first day's hunt, one of the wolves parted from them, and 
went to the left, and the other continued with Nanibojou, and Nanibojou 
adopted him for his son. Nanibijou, knowing that there were devils living^ 
in the lake, he and his son went to war with them, and destroyed all the devils 
that lived in one lake; then pursued their way hunting; but every deer and 
wolf they started and gave chase to, would run into another of the lakes. One 
day the wolf chased a deer. It ran upon the ice in the lake. The wolf pursued 
it; the ice broke at the momentthe wolf had caught the deer, and both fell in. 
The devils caught both the wolf and the deer, and devoured them. Then 
Nanibojou went up and down the lake shore, crying; when a loon in the lake 
lieard Nanibojou ciying, and called to him to "know what he was crying about. 
Nanibojou answered that he had lost his son in the lake; and the loon replied 
that the devils had eaten him; and if he wanted to see the devils, he might, 
by going to a certain place, as the devils would come out there to sun them- 
selves. Nanibojou went according, and saw the devils in the forms of 
snakes, bears and other things. And when the two head devils got out on 
the bank, they saw something of uncommon appearance, which they had not 
seen before, and halting, they sent a very large devil, in the form of a snake, 
to see what this strange sight was. Nanibojou, seeing the devil coining, 
assumed the appearanc3 of a stump. The devil, coming up, wrapped 
liimself round it, and drew upon it with all his strength, and squeezed so 
hard that Nanibojou was on the point of crying out, when the devil uncoiled 
himself a little, and then wound round him again, and drew, if possible, 
harder than he did before. So severe did Na.nibojou -feel the pressure to 
b?, that he was just about crying out, when the devil relaxed his hold, 
and returned to his companions, and told them it was nothing but a stump. 



280 MEMORIALS OF THE 

But the devils were not satisfied; so they sent another, in the shape of a 
bear to try what he could make of it. The bear came up to Nanibojou 
and huggred him, and bit him, and clawed him; and so severe was 
the bear on him, that he was as before on the point of crying out, when the 
bear relaxed Ms hold and forbore to bite and scratch. He however repeated 
his attacks, and it was with the greatest difficulty jSTanibojou could forbear 
to cry out. The bear returned and told the devils it was nothing but a 
stump. Whereupon, the devils all went to sleep in the sun, as the snakes 
do, when Nanibojou, being convinced that they were all asleep, shot with 
arrows the two great devils. When the rest of the devils awoke, and 
found their principal devils had been killed, they pursued Nanibojou with 
a great flood of water. Nanibojou, hearing it coming, fled before it, a,nd 
ran from hill to hill, until he had got to the top of the highest mountain, 
and there climbed the high&st pine tree that he could see. But the waters 
followed him to the top of this tree, when he prayed that the tree might 
grow. It did grow, but the waters rose still higher. He prayed again, 
being about covered with water— it being now up to his chin. He prayed 
a third time, but the tree grew only a little. Then, looking around him 
upon the waters, he saw a number of anira.ils swimming in various direc- 
tions, and amongst them a bear, an otter, and a muskrat. He called them 
brothers, and said, * Come to me.' We must have some earth or we shall 
all die. They came, and the bear went first after some earth, by diving 
into the waters, Init drowned before he reached the bottom. Next the otter 
went down. He got within sight of land, but lost his senses before he got 
H bite of it. Then the muskrat went down and reached the bottom, and 
just as he got a bite of it he lost his senses and floated up to flie top of the 
water. Nanibojou ha.d them all brought to him; when he examined all 
their claws, beginning with the bear, but found no earth in any of them, 
except a little in those of the muskrat. He took it in his hand, and rubbed 
it and held it up to the sun until it dried. Then he blew it all round hin\ 
over the water, and dry land appeared. I asked him who made the eartfi 
the muskrat found. He answered, he did not know. He knew nothing 
beyond the time when Nanoibjou made the earth. I asked him where 
Nanibojou was now. He answered, 'somewhere towards the rising sim.' 
" What is he like; is he a man in his appearance, or what does he resem- 
ble?' He answered: * He is like a man-' 'Was he ever married?' 
"Yes; but he has had no wife of late.' I then asked him who made 
Nanibojou? He said he was a twin, and ^vas born of a woman, who had 
never had a husband, and who, on giving Nanibojou and his brother life, 
had vanished, and had never been seen since, nor had Nanibojou's brother. 
Some may fancy that here they see an analogy between this and the 
Noahic flood, and the mystery of the incarnation. If one is determined to 
find coincidences, they can hardly be avoided. 

wabajick's war song. 
Wabajick was the great war chief of LaPoint, Lake Superior, — the 
father of Mrs. Johnson, and grandfather of Mrs. Oaks. The version here 
given is by Mr. Johnson. It is a translation of tlie song used by the chief 
and his warriors. 



1 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 287 

" On that clay, when our heroes lay low— lay lev/— 
On that day when our heroes lay low, 

I fought by their side, and thought ere I died, 
Just vengeance to take on the foe—the foe- 
Just vengeance to take on the foe. 

On that day, when our chieftain lay dead — lay dead, 
On that day when our chieftain lay dead, 

I fought hand-to-hand at the head of my band; 
And here on my breast have I bled — have I bled, 
And here on mj'' breast have I bled. 

Our chiefs shall return no more— ^no more, 
Our chiefs shall return no more, 

Nor their brothers in war, who can't show scar for scar, 
Like women, their fates shall deplore — deplore, 
Like women, their fates shall deplore. 

Five winters in hunting we'll spend—we'll spend, 
Five winters in hunting we'll spend; 

Then our youth, grown to men, to the war lead again, 
And our days, like our fathers', we'll end— we'll end, 
And our days, like our fathers, we'll end. 

INDIAN BONG. 

As a literary curiosity, we here give a song in the Chippewa langfuage, 
composed by a daughter of Wabijick, with a literal translation in English 
by her sister, Mrs. Schoolcraft. 

THE O.TIBWAY MAID. 

Ann dush ween do win ane, 
Gitchy Mocomaun ainee; 
Caw auzhaw wot da mode 
We yea, haw ha! etc. 

Wah yaw burn maud e, 
Ojibway quaine un e, 
We maw jaw need e, 
We yea, etc. 

Omowe maun e 
We nemoshain yun; 
We maw jaw need e, 
We yea, etc. 

Caw ween gush sha ween, 
Kin waingh e we yea, 
guh maw e maw seen, 
We yea, etc. 



288 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

Me gusli sha ween e yea, 
Ke bish quaw bum maud e, 
Tehe won ain e maud.e, 
We yea, etc. 

"Why! wliat is the matter with the young American? He cro.ises the 
river, with tears in his eyes. He sees the young Ojibway girl, preparing to 
leave the place. He sobs for his sweetheart, for she is going away! But he 
wiU not sigh long for her, for as soon as he is out of her sight, he will for- 
get her." 

AN INDIAN SUPERSTITION. 

The Indians never go around, but make a portage over Kewana Point. 
Besides the distance, they have another reason. They have a tradition of 
long standing, perhaps of a hundretl years, that some of their people, in 
going round this point, attempted to make a visit to Beaver Island. They 
approached it, when the form of a woman appeared; and as they continued 
to approach, she continued to grow, until her size became so overpowering 
and fearful, that to get rid of her awful aspect, they fled. They interpreted 
this appearance into an interdiction of their right to approach it in future; 
and believing that this woman held dominion over all the, beavers on Ke- 
wana Point, they never dared to disturb these animals there. The conse- 
quence was that when an old gentleman, now a resident at the South, first 
traversed this region, some forty years ago, the beavers in the little lakes and 
rivers of this Point were countless. They had been undisturbed for half a 
century or more. This tradition is believed, and acted upon by the Chippe- 
was until this day. It was doubtless a mirage that spread out in that form. 

INDIAN GRAVES. 

The Indians' graves are first covered over with bark. Over the grave a 
shelter like an Indian lodge is built, poles stuck in the ground, bent over and 
fastened at the top, and covered with bark. An opening is lefb like that of 
a lodge. Before this door a post is planted, and if the dead was a warrior, 
painted reil. Near this post a pole is planted about ten feet long. From 
the top of this pole is suspended the ornaments of the deceased, or the jcalps 
he has taken. 

The author thinks this will, in part, account for the small mounds, that 
are quite common where the Indians had their villages. These mounds are 
generally about eight or ten feet in diameter, and about two feet high. In 
them will be found a set of human bones, and coals. Did not the Indians 
place the dead in a hut and cover the hut with earth? The appearances 
indicate that. 

MOURNING. 

It is required of a Chippewa woman when her husband dies, that she shall 
take her best apparel, roll it up, and confine it by means of her husband's 
sashes; and if he had ornaments, those are generally put on the top of the 
roll; and around it is wrapped apiece of cloth. This bundle is called her 
husband; and it is expected that she will never be seen without it. This 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 289 

l>adge of mourning she is obliged to carry with her until some one of her late 
Imsband's family shall call and take it away; which is done when they think 
she has mourned long enough, and which is generally at the end of a year. 
She is then, and not until then, at liberty to marry again. She may, if she 
so chooses, take this husband to the family of the deceased, and leave it; but 
this is considered indecorous, and is seldom done. 

Sometimes a brother of the deceased takes the widow for his wife at the 
grave of her husband; which is done by the ceremony of walking her over 
it. This he has a right to do; or, if she chooses, she has the right to go to 
liini, and he is bound to support her; and she is not required to go into 
mourning. (Adair here sees a Jewish custom.) 

The Chippewa w?e;* mourn by painting their faces black. 

A Chippewa mother, on losing her child, prepares an image of it in the 
best manner she is able, and dresses it as she did her living child; fixes it in 
lier child's cradle; goes through the ceremony of nursing it, as if alive. This 
continues for a year. Apparently there are no people who live more affec- 
tionately, or with greater constancy, than the Chippewa women. Their at- 
tachment to their husbands and children is ardent and lasting, leading them 
to endure all privations and hardships for them while living, and to hiourn in 
ecstacies of grief when they die. 

THE INDIAN CANOE. 

This canoe is wholly of Indian invention, and the white man has never 
been able to improve it. It is made of the outer bark of the white birch, 
which is taken off in a single piece, and dried in the sun, the inner side up- 
wards. The two ends are brought together flat, and fastened by sewing; 
the middle swelled out and kept in place by slender strips of wood. The 
whole is so light that a canoe capable of carrying four persons, scarcely 
weighs fifty pounds, and can easily be carried on the head of a squaw. The 
Indians propel this with a paddle, which they operate nearly in the manner 
of a duck's foot. Tlie canoe is extremely buoyant, and requires much skill 
in its management. 

'the birchen canoe." 

BY SCHOOLCRAFT. 

"In the region of lakes, where the blue waters sleep, 

Our beautiful fabric was built; 
Light cedar supported its weight on the deep, 

And its sides with the sunbeams were gilt, 
The bright leafy bark of the betula tree, 

A flexible sheathing provides; 
And the fir's thready roots draw the parts to agree, 

And bind down its high swelling sides. 

" No compass or gavel was used on the bark. 

No art but the simplest degree; 
But the structure was finished, and trim to remark, 
And as light as a sylph's could be. 

19 



290 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Its rim was with tender young roots woven 'round, 

Like a pattern of wicker-work rare; 
And it pressed on the wave with as lightsome abound 

As a basket suspended in air. 

" The heavens in their brightness and glory below 

Were reflected quite plain to the view; 
And moved like a swan— with as graceful a show, 

Our beautiful birchen canoe. 
The trees on the shore, as we glided along, 

Seemed moving a contrary way; 
And our voyagers lightened their toil with a song, 

That caused every heart to be gay. 

" And still as we floated by rock and by shell, 

Our bark raised a murmur aloud, 
And it danced on the waves, as they rose, or they fell, 

Like a Fay on a bright summer cloud. 
We said as we passed o'er the liquid expanse, 

With the landscape in smihng array. 
How blest we should be if our lives should advance 

Thus tranquil and sweetly away. 

" The skies were serene— not a cloud was in sight — •" 

Not an angry surge beat on the shore; 
And we gazed on the water, and then on the light, 

'Till our vision could bear it no more. 
long will we think of those silver- bright lakes, 

And the scenes they exposed to our view; 
Our friends, and the wishes we formed for their sakes. 

And our bright yellow birchen canoe." 

PIPE DANCE. 

" The Indians came up from the landing in double file, with their drums in 
the lead, dancing, or rather jumping in short jumps, to the time kept by the 
drummers. Those who thumped the drums sang also, but the song was a 
jumble of sounds — a kind of " a-ha, a-ha, oh! oh! the oh aspirated with 
great force. At short intervals the whole would yell and shout, and multiply 
the sounds by clapping their hands on their mouths. On reaching the 
ground opposite the commissioner's quarters, the line was formed, by this 
jumping motion, into a circle, out of which those who beat the drums kept 
their stations. Round and round they went, with a kind of double short- 
step, first with one foot, and then with the other; but the motion throughout 
was up and down. When they had gone two or three times around, the 
drums would give the signal, when they would scream a/id whoop and clap 
their mouths with their hands — then stand. They were nearly naked, and 
it could be seen by their breathing, that the exercise was severe. They were 
painted, their heads ■ ornamented with feathers, and bells and ti'uikets were 



GRAND ElVER VALLEY. 291 

in their plaited hair. That nothing should be wanting to make the scene a 
finished grotesque, a little boy not over five years old, was in the midst, 
painted black, keeping time to the drum, with an .enormous head-dress of 
feathers. He went through the whole ceremony with them. In the pauses, 
a warrior would tell his exploits, and these would be shouted to vociferously. 
This was a pipe dance — a dance of ceremony, or rather as it ought to be 
called, a begging dance. Their object was to get presents. 

KELIGION. 

There is one custom of the Indians that is identical with that of the .^ews— 
their houses of purification. 

They believe in a spiritual future state — think that they, and everything 
else will be spiritual; that they will hunt in the land of souls; but that it 
will be the spirits of the animals^hat the very briars and thorns will be 
spiritual. Everything will appear to be I'eal, and yet nothing wiU be so. 

They are superstitious — governed by dreams and signs in the heavens. 
They go to war, make peace, commence or abandon a journey, marry, or 
resolve not to marry, just as tliey may chance to interpret a dream, or judge 
a sign in the heavens to be favorable or otherwise. 

They inflict wounds on their bodies when in deep sorrow. 

They believe the spirit lingers still with the body, until decomposed; hence 
their offerings at the graves of the deceased. 

THE V^TABANA — FEAST AND DANCE. 

Tlie Indians killed and dressed one of their dogs. A wabana is a dance, 
the ceremonies attending which are understood to be offerings to the devil, 
after which the feast is eaten, of which the flesh of the dog is considered the 
nicest offering. At 8 o'clock, the exercises began, by beating or thumping 
the Indian drum. The Indian drum resembles the tambourine, with rat- 
tles in it; held in one' hand by a string, while it is struck with a slow 
thump, thump, with a stick in the other, slow at first, then in quicker 
time, with a kind of double stroke, accompanied by singing. We can 
hardly call it singing, it is a kind of ch-e-o-a, the ch uttered sharp and 
aspirated (Adair sees, or hears in that e-o-a — ^'Jehovah'"). The In- 
dians, to the numljer of twenty or more, were seated on a carpet of 
spruce boughs, all round the tent, and as near the walls of it as they 
could get. There were two women and two little girls — the latter about 
ten years old. The rest were men, painted and dressed out in feathers of 
various kinds. The drum was not silent a moment, but an Indian who held 
it kept on beating, while every one in the tent was as still, and looked as 
serious as if it had been a funeral. Presently one of the little girls rose, and 
stepping into the middle of the tent began to dance. The dance of the 
females is peculiar, never lifting their feet from the ground, but placing them 
close together, and, in time with the thump of the drum, raising their heels 
and turning thetoi first to the right, and then to the left, keeping up the per- 
pendicular motion meanwhile. This little girl danced for about five minutes, 
and then sat down; when an old woman rose and danced in like manner, 
for about the same time. As soon as she was seated, an unusually tall In- 
dian, dressed in skins entered with a wild and fierce countenance, blowing 



292 MEMORIALS OF THE 

and looking round the tent, and uttering at every expiration of his breath, 
" ch! ch! ch!" when presently a younger Indian entered and seized him by 
the arms, and being disengaged by the force of the other, caught at his body 
as if his object was to make him surrender something. Presently they each 
took a drum, and went round the tent half bent, and stepping to the time, 
beating the drum in the faces of the Indians, who were seated around the 
tent. After going around several times he commenced a speech — an address 
to the Evil Spirit — the substance of which was to appease and beg his com- 
passion on them. The delivery of the speech was attended with the most 
violent gesticulations and contortions of the body, and with such eifect that 
the perspiration ran off his face in streams. He then went round the tent 
as before, followed by some half a dozen Indians, all singing and half bent, 
stepping in time to the beat of the drum. Then the leader would make 
another address, and the dance would be joined by others. 

These ceremonies were kept up all the night. At sunrise the feast was 
brought in. It was in two kettles, each holding about six gallons. When 
the feast was brought in, the drum-beating and the dancing ceased. All, 
especially the old men, looked weary, and some had fallen asleep. Of 
course the twelve gallons of soup were eaten; as it is a rule that nothing 
shall be left 

CHIPPEWA CHIVALRY. 

In the year 1819-20, thirteen Chippewa youths left Grand Isle, to go to 
war with their ancient enemy — the Sioux — a war on the part of those youths 
of self-destruction; their sole object being to wash away with their blood 
the imputation of cowardice, which had been cast upon them by others of 
tlieir tribe, living higher up the lake, and near the seat of war. Prior to 
their setting out, they appointed a young m;m — a runner — to accompany 
them, and watch the result of their enterprise; and in the event of their 
destruction, to hasten back with the tidings of it. They advanced into the 
enemy's country; and soon after fell in with a party of four times their 
strength. They immediately selected their ground, and directing the youth 
to take a position from which he could see the battle, made their onset. It 
was previously agreed that, after this, they were to retreat to a certain place, 
and there sell tlieir lives at the dearest rate; appointing meanwhile, a fa- 
vorable position from which this young man might see them die. In the 
onset they killed twice their own number; and then retreated to their last 
intrenchment. Enraged at their loss, the Sioux pursued, fell upon, and 
amidst great carnage, slew them all. The runner set off immediately for 
his own country, and making his way thi'ough the forests, and down the 
lake, arrived in safety among his people, and told the story of those deeds 
of daring and of death. This young man was seen by Gen. Cass and Mr. 
Schoolcraft, in 1820; and they heard him sing the song of the slain, and re- 
count the incidents of this bloody adventure. 

INDIAN LANGUAGE. 

The Indian languages have their masculine and feminine — or the language 
to be addressed to men, and that to women. In some tribes these peculari- 
tics are very marked. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 291^ 

An amusing illustration of this occurred at the treaty of Grand Eapids, in 
1835. The Rev. Mr. Slater was selected as interpreter between the govern- 
ment authorities and the Ottawa Indians. He had acquired the language 
principally from the Indian women who were inmates of his family. When 
the Indian agent had given his talk to the assembled council of Indian dig- 
nitaries, Mr. Slater addressed himself to them by putting into Indian the 
speech of the government official. No reply was made to it by the Indians. 
They listened patiently, and that was all. This unaccountable and provok- 
ing silence was at last broken by one of the lesser chiefs, who said, " If you 
came here to talk with men, why don't you use the tongue of a man, and 
not speak to us the words of a woman?" Mr. Slater, to bis great mortifica- 
tion, bad to " step down and out;" and another interpreter had to be select- 
ed before the business could proceed. 

INDIAN TREATIES. 

Previous to March 25tli, 1822, the lands of Western Michi- 
gan, with the exception of certain small tracts which by pre- 
vious treatiesLhad been ceded to the United States, were in full 
possession of the Indians. August 29th, 1821, a treaty was 
concluded by the U. S. commissioners-- Lewis Cass and Solo- 
mon Sibley — and the chiefs of the Ottawa, Chippewa and 
Pottawatomie tribes of Indians, met in genei'al council at Chi- 
cago. For the particulars and wording of this treaty, reference 
may be made to Peters' edition of the "Treaties of the Uni- 
ted States," vol. YII, page 218. An abstract is here given: 

"The Indians cede all the territory in Michigan south of, 
the north bank of the Grand Iliver, with five reservations; 
two of them six miles square; one, four miles square; and two 
three miles square. Certain grants of land are made to indi- 
viduals, specifying their location, amounting in all to about 
one township. 

In consideration, the United States engage to pay to the 
Ottawa nation one thousand dollars ($1,000) in specie annually, 
forever; and also to appropriate annually $1,500, for ten years, 
for the support of a blacksmith, a teacher and a farmer, and 
for the purchase of agricultural tools. 

The United States engage to pay to the Pottawatomie na- 
tion $5,000 in specie, annually, for twenty years; and also to 
appropriate, annually, for fifteen years, the sum of $1,000, for 
a blacksmith and teacher, stipulating that one square mile shall 
be selected on the north side of the Grand Piver, and one square 



394 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

mile on the south side of tlie St. Joseph's River, and witliin 
the Indian lands, where the blacksmith and teacher should 
reside. 

The treaty was signed bj eight chiefs of the Ottawas, two of 
the Chippewas, and fifty-five of the Pottawatomies. 

By the ti'eaty at Chicago, September 26th, 1833, the Chip- 
])ewa, Ottawa and Pottawatomie nations cede to the United 
States most of their reserv^ations south of the Grand River, for 
$100,000; $1:0,000 of it in annuities running twenty years. 
For particulars, see the aforementioned book, page 442. 

By the treaty at Washington (see page 491 of said book), the 
land north of the Grand Rivei", with certain reservations, is 
ceded to the United States. 

The consideration was: An annuity of $30,000, for twenty 
years, $18,000 of it to be paid to the Indians between Grand 
River and the Cheboygan. Second : $5,000 per annum for twenty 
years for purposes of education. Third; $3,000 for missions. 
Fourth: $1,000 for agricultural implements, cattle and me- 
chanical tools. Fifth: $300 for medicines and a physician. 
Sixth: Provisions to the amount of $2,000, and 6,500 lbs. of 
tobacco, 100 ban-els of salt and 500 fish barrels, annually for 
twenty years. Seventh: $150,000 in goods on the ratification 
of the treaty, and $200,000 additional, if the}^ choose to give 
up their reservations. Eighth: The sum of $300,000 is set 
apart to pay the debts of the Indians, Ninth: $150,000 is 
set apart as a fund for the half-breeds. 

Two additional blacksmith shops are given the Indians; a 
permanent interpreter; two farmers, and two mechanics to 
teach the Indians for ten years. 

It is also agreed to remove the Indians west, at Govern- 
ment expense, when the Indians desire it; and to pay for the 
Mission establishment on the Grand River. 

The Indians had made gifts of lands to certain persons, 
which they wished the Government to ratify. But, acting on 
a policy before decided on, the sanction of the United Spates 
was refused; the lands were appraised, and the sum of the 
appraisal awarded to the individuals. To Rix Robinson, in 
lieu of his section of land on the Grand River Rapids, $23,040; 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. ■ 295 

to Leonard Slater, in trust for Chinninoniquot, $6,400. The 
whole allowance for these claims, was $48,148. 

Thirty thousand dollars was paid the chiefs on the ratifica- 
tion of the treaty. They were divided into three classes: the 
first class to receive $500, the second $200, and the third 
$100. 

On the Grand River the chiefs were: Mokkotioska (Black 
Skin), Namattippy, Nameqnogo;evhih (N^oon Day), Kebune- 
g-ishih, Wobwindego (White Giant), Cobnioosa (the Big 
Walker), Moccotti-ocquit (Black Clond) Mixicininni (Wam- 
pum Man), and Winnimissangee, of the first class. 

On the Muskegon, Osawga and Owunaislicum were ranked 
in the first class. 

On the Grand River, of the second class, were: Keshah- 
owash, Keway-tow-a-by, Wob-i-ton-guay-say, Ka-no-tin-aish- 
tum, Boy-nash-ing, Na-wa-qua-gee-zhich, We-non-ga, JN^ugog- 
i-kay-bee, Wa-poos, Ke-wa-ton-do, Ke-way-coosh-cura, Zha- 
qui-naw, Ke-na-ti-nunk, Pa-baw-bo-co, Win-de-cow-iss, Shag- 
wab-e-no, Pam-os-say-ga, Muc-cu-tay-pe-nay, Tush-e-tow-an. 

Of the third class on the Grand Riv^er were: Ka-she-way, 
Kee-na-bie, Kee-niss-o-way, and none on the Muskegon. 

This treaty is signed on the part of the United States, by 
Henry Schoolcraft; and on the part of the Indians by 0-wun- 
aish-cuni, Was-van-ga-xo, 0-sau-ga, of Muskegon; Wab-i- 
wid-i-go, Mix-i-ci-minny, ITa-bnn-a-gn-zhig, Grand River, 
and sixteen other chiefs from other parts of the State. 

The Indian names, as here given, are as they appear on the 
treaties. In what is otherwise said of the Indians, the names 
are as familiarly spoken l)y those who were acquainted with 
them. An Indian name was a thing and not a word^ and 
always liable to be written difierently. 

KEWIQUASHCUM, OK "LONG NOSE." 

This man was chief of the Flat River clans; and at the time 
of the Cass Treaty at Chicago, went with the Pottawatomies 
and signed the treaty on the part of the Ottawas. The In- 
dians never forgave it; and kept him in fear of his life. The 
earlier settlers of the Yalley recollect him very well; for once 



296 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

having seen him, lie could never be forgotten. He was called 
" Long I^ose," from the enormous size of the " nose on his 
face"; an absolute deformity. He was finally killed by one 
of his clan, in the fall of 1839. 

The Indians had come to Grand Eapids, to the " Payment." 
That over, most of them had gone home. He and a few others 
were camped on the bank of the river a little above the mouth 
of Cold Brook, enjoying a drunk. They got out of liquor, 
and sent to the village for wdiisky, leaving Kewiquashcum 
and Wesagemah with two children — a boy and a girl. The 
rest is as told by that boy, as a man, to Seth Robinson. 

It is proper to premise that Mr. Robinson is son of Lucas 
Robinson; has all his life been in intimate association with 
tlie Indians; is perfectly master of their language; and has 
been Indian interpreter. Feeling an interest in the case, he 
songht out the boy, who witnessed the murder of Long IVose. 
and by giving him half a dollar to tell the story, obtained the 
following particulars, which are, in the language of tlie Avit- 
ness, translated by Mr. Robinson: 

"I sat in the stern of a canoe, tied to the bank of Grand 
River, near the mouth of Cold Brook. I had a knife in my 
hand, peeling a turnip. The two old men, Wasogenaw and 
Kewiquashcum sat on the bank by the lire. I heard Wasoge- 
naw say — 'You old fool ! did you not know better than to sell 
this whole territory and impoverish your nation ? I am going 
to take your life!' Kewiquashcum, pulling out and flourish- 
ino- his knife, said ' You can't do that! Do yon see this! ' The 
other man bent down to me and said — 'Do you see that mati'^ 
lie is what has impoverished you. Let me take that knife 
vou have ffot; I am ooino;: to kill him! Then I want you to 
help me put him in this canoe, and we will take him to the 
middle of the river, and throw him in.' I dro])ped my knife 
into the river, and said 'I have no knilc.' The old man said, 
' I thought I saw you peeling a turnip with a knife.' Show- 
ing him a sliver of wood, I said, 'No, I had only this.' The 
old man became very furious; and raving about, went to the 
bank of the river, and pulled out a ma])le club al)out two feet 
loiiii^, with a knot at one end. He brandished it around franti- 



GRAND RIVER VALLEl'. 297 

cally, capering tlie wliile and saying to me — ' This is tlie way 
when yon kill something.' Then, rnshing np to Kewiqnasli- 
cum, and saying, with frantic gestures, 'This is the way 
when you kill something,' struck him on the head. The old 
man threw np his hands and feet, dropped his knife and 
l>egged. The other kept on striking, and repeating the same 
expression. I jumped out of the canoe, and ran toward the 
village. Wasogenaw called to me to stop. I ran faster, he 
following. Jnuiping across Cold Brook, I got into the mnd 
and fell down. Looking back, the old man was over me with 
a club. I evaded him; ran, and met the party returning with 
the whisky. I said to them, ' The old men are killing each 
other.' A son of Wasogenaw said to me — ' I will o^o and 
pacify him' (his father). He walked np to his father, and 
patting his cheek, said 'You fool! can't you be satisfied with 
committing one murder, without taking the life of the boy?' 
The old man then fell on the ground and cried. All the men 
then went to the camp, and found Ivewiqnashcum dead. They 
put him in a canoe and carried him to Plainiield." He was 
buried there, under the hill some twenty rods south of the 
bridge; and but a few rods from the spot was buried AVabe- 
sis, another victim of the Indian treaties and Indian dissatis- 
faction with the makers of them, 

ANECDOTES OF INDIANS. 

xVt Portland an Indian had been furnished liquor until he 
got pretty drunk. On the trader's refusing to give him more, 
lie attempted to stab him. The trader complained to the 
chief, who caused him to be whipj^ed nearly to death in tlie 
trader's presence. In consequence, he was unable to leave his 
cabin for a week; tlien he came back, and demanded more 
whisky, saying that he had been whipped just two quai-ts too 
much. 

Illustrative of the shrewdness and piety of the preacher 
Jackson, the following is told by Mr. Smith. As Smith is a 
common name, no one can consider it personal. 

Jackson owed Smith, and Smith had dunned him several 
times. They happened to meet on Canal street, at Grand 



298 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Rapids; after the salutations, Jackson invited Sinitli into a 
saloon, and, stepping up to tlie bar, called for brandy for both; 
they drank, and chatted. Smith expecting every moment that 
Jackson would pay np. After awhile, Jackson called for more 
brandy, and while they were discussing it, he blandly tuwied 
to Smith, and said: "You will have to pay for the drinks; I 
have no money." 

Tableau — " Elongation of Countenance." 

LEGISLATIVE ACTS CONCERNING THE INDIANS. 

By the Territorial Laws passed in 1812, persons interested 
in selling liquor to the Indians may be fined $100, and costs. 

In 1815, tavern-keepers were forbidden to sell liquor to In- 
dians without permission from the SujDerintendent of Indian 
Afi'airs. 

In 1821, the penalty for selling liquor to them was made 
f 100, and the forfeiture of what was given in exchange. 

By law of 1816, Indians and Negroes may be whipped, in- 
stead of the common penalties. 

Same by law of 1820. Same by law of 1827. 

In 1841, Indians were declared to have judicial riglits. 
Penalty for selling liquor to them, $20 on first conviction; 
subsequent offense, $40; one-half to the informer. 

1847. The State favors the idea of the Chippewa Indians 
purchasing their lands, and asked Congress to give the right. 

THE MISSION. 

Before the occupation of the region by white people, it was 
known as a Mission Station. 

In 1821, the efforts of the missionaries, which had been for 
some time directed to the Indians of Southern Michigan and 
Northern Indiana, began to assume shape, and take the name 
of action. In February of this year, Isaac McCoj^, appointed 
by the Board of Managers of the Baptist Missionary Conven- 
tion for the United States, to labor in Illinois and Indiana, vis- 
ited Detroit, and had an interview with Gov. Cass, who prom- 
ised him aid; furnished at that time $450 of clothing and 
ibod for Ft. Wayne; and subsequently the mOnoy promised 
was placed in the hands of McCoy. Efforts wero also made 



GKAND EIVEK VALLEY. 299 

to get into the treaty, soon to be made at Chicago, stipulations 
which should favor educational pui'poses among the Indians. 

Throiio-h the influence of Col. Trimble, the U. S. Senator 
from Ohio, these claims were urged with good success. The 
Pottawatonjies gave a mile square of land, to be held as U. S. 
public property. It was stipulated that government should 
phice on this section a teacher and a blacksmith, and should 
expend in their support $1,000, for the term of ten years. To 
bring about such an arrangement cost much labor, watchful- 
ness and anxiety. There were many strong prejudices of the 
Indians to contend with; also the influence of the traders. 
And then the Jesuits were continually at work to defeat the 
project of educating the Indians. At the same treaty, the gov- 
ernment made a similar arrangement with the Ottawas, to fur- 
nish $1,500 for ten years; and also to supply cattle, farming 
tools, etc. Subsequently Mr. McCoy was appointed Superin- 
tendent, to carry out those parts of the treaty. The facilities 
provided for the Ottawas could not be secured to the Mission as 
early as those for the Pottawatomies, on account of the failure 
of a missionary, w^ho endeavored to convert the stipulations 
of the treaty to his own account, in which, however, lie failed. 

On the representation of Mr. McCoy, the Pottawatomie 
mission was located where Niles now stands; and the one for 
the Ottawas on the right bank of the Grand Piver, at the foot 
of the rapids. 

At this time, Noon-Day was the chief of tlie Ottawa tribe. 
There was no established trading post at Grand Papids. 

On the 2Sth of June, 1822, Mr. McCoy set out from Ft. 
Wayne for Detroit, to receive the privileges provided by the 
treaty. The matter liad been placed under the control of 
Gen. Cass. John Sears of New Y ork, was appointed teacher 
for the Ottawas; and Mr. McCoy was authorized to appoint a 
blacksmith for the Ottawas and the Pottawatomies. 

A full set of instructions from Gen. Cass was given. The 
condensed purport of them is: 

1. Give the Indians, young and old, such instructions as 
are suited to their condition. 

2. Wean them from their allegiance to any other govern- 
ment, and try to attach them to the United States. 



300 MEMORIALS OF THE 

3. Contend against wliisky. 

4. Watch tlie traders. 

5. Encourage agriculture. 

6. Show the Indians tlie best way to spend their inconrio. 

7. In general, work for the good of the Indians. 

Gen. Cass commissioned Charles C. Trowbridge to make 
definite arrangements with the Indians for the sites of tlie 
mission stations. The site for the Pottawatomies was fixed at 
St. Joseph River. Mr. McCoy moved part of his family and 
some of his pupils from Ft. Wayne, October 19th, 1822. 
The location was 100 miles from Ft. Wayne, where were the 
nearest white inhabitants; 180 from any white settlement, 
and 190 from any flouring mill. The Pottawatomies' station 
was called by the Board " Cary," and the Ottawa station, 
"Thomas," in honor of those missionaries in Ilindostan. 

The first winter was intensely cold. On the 26th of May, 
1823, McCoy started for Grand River, taking with him a 
Frenchman named Paget, for pilot, and one of his Indian 
pupils. In December, 1824, a blacksmith and two laborers 
were sent to the " Thomas " station. Supplies were sent 07i 
during the winter. At the same time evil-disposed people 
tried to break up the mission. In 1825, the mission fairly 
commenced. 

The material for tracing the early history of the mission is 
very deficient. No full account of it was kept by Mr. Slater, 
and we have only his journals, and the recollection of some 
persons who had but a secondary interest. What has pre- 
ceded is, in substance, gathered from some articles, written 
by Geo. Torrey, Esq., of Kalamazoo, several years since, and 
published in the Grand River Eagle. What follows is 
gathered from the journals of Mr. Slater, or from his daughter, 
Mrs. St. John, of Kalamazoo, 

At first the Mission was a Government Station, teacher and 
blacksmith being located there. In Slater's journals mention 
is made of Mr. and Mrs. Potts, as teachers who assisted Mi'. 
Slater at Thomas Station. Mr. Slater's position was that of 
teacher. McCoy seems to have had the general superintend- 
ence. McCoy, with a part of the Ottawas, nuwed west of the 
Mississippi, after which Slater appears to have been the head 



GBAND EIVER VALLEY. 301 

of tlie Mission. Mention is made of the Rev. Jno. Booth, 
who came from Pontiac; but how long he stayed we are 
not informed. 

A school of about forty was kept up during the time 
the Indians were at home, and a church was gathered of 
about thirty members, conspicuous among whom was the noble 
old chief Noon-Day. 

The first blacksmith bore the name of Secord, who did not 
stay a great while, and who simply left the common record of 
a drunkard. In 1832 we find the name of a blacksmith, P. F. 
Chubb. Afterwards there was another — K, Push. 

Mr. Potts and wife remained until 1833, when two teachers 
from Augusta, Me., came on — Miss Day and Miss Bond. 
Miss Day left soon, on account of ill health. Miss Bond, a 
year or two after, married Francis Prescott, afterwards a Baptist 
preacher, well known in Kent county. She died soon, leaving 
one daughter, whose monument is in Fulton street cemetery, 
as the wife of Jerome Gouldsbury. 

Mr. Slater made himself familiar with the language of the 
Indians, at first with an interpreter. In the school, English 
l)ooks were used. Under Mr. S. the ISTew Testament was 
printed for the Ottawas; by whom translated, we are not 
informed. The relation of Messrs. Slater and McCoy was not 
harmonious, and upon the retirement of McCoy, Mr. S. had 
various things to contend against — whisky, Catholic influence, 
etc. The result was, he, and his adherents, in 1839, removed 
to Prairieville, Barry county, where the Mission was main- 
tained for some twenty years. 

It is not within the scope of this work to follow the Mission 
after it left the Grand Rapids Valley. It was for a few years 
the nucleus of civilization — the school and the cViurch at the 
Rapids; and leaving, its legacy was a disputed title to the 
property on the west side of Grand River, below Bridge street, 
commonly called the " Mission Lands." 

The devoted and single hearted missionery died without the 
satisfaction of feeling that his life-work had been a success. 

This gentleman, otherwise mentioned as the pioneer of civ- 
ilization at the Mission Station at Grand Rapids, was born at 
Worcester, Mass., Kovember 16, 1802. His father was Capt. 



S'02 MKMOKIALS OF THE 

Pela Slater, one of the " Indians " who threw overboard the 
tea in Boston harbor. Leonard S. received a comnion school 
education at Worcester, and was in the business of rope-mak- 
in^^ with liis father. When about 20 years of age he devoted 
himself as a missionary to the Indians in the West, and 
studied, preparatory to that, under Jonathan Going, D. D. 
In May, 1826, he married Miss Mary F. Ide, and they to- 
gether started from Worcester, August 17th, and arrived at 
Cary Station (Niles), September 27th. The date of his arri- 
val at Grand Rapids is now uncertain. He had charge of the 
Thomas Station at that place, and there remained until the 
autumn of 1836, when, disliking the influences' brought to 
bear upon the Indians, he removed, with such as adhered to 
him, to the township of Prairieville, in Barry county, where, 
under every discouragement, he labored until he resigned his 
appointment as missionary in 1850 — his band being scattered. 

In 1832 he was postmaster at Grand Rapids— mail once a 
month. 

Giving up the life of a missionary, he became an active busi- 
ness man. In 1863, he became connected with the Christian 
commission, and went to JSTashville, where he contracted the 
disease — chronic diarrhoea — from which he never recovered. 
He died April 27th, 1866, and at his own request was buried 
near the place where, 40 years before he encamped, when on 
his way from the East to the Cary Mission. 

Mrs. Slater, his efficient co-worker in all his missionary 
labors, died in 1850. 

Mr. Slater was a man of ardent temperament and strong 
?iffections, strongly devoted to his work as a missionary. 
With rather a fragile constitution, he labored intensely and un- 
weariedly, combining in his character the aixlent Christian 
teacherand careful business man ; two characters seldom united. 

Four children were born to him at Grand Rapids: 

1. Sarah Emily (Mrs. St. John, of Kalamazoo), Aug. 12th, 
1827. 2. George, Feb. 9th, 1829. 3. Francis, Dec. 31st, 1832. 
4. Brainard, Sept. 21st, 1835. 

These were the first white children born in the Grand River 
Valley. 



GRAM) EIVER VALLEY. 303 

/ 



MILITARY. 

The military history of the Grand River Talley is but a 
fragment of the^geiieral history of the loyal part of the nation. 
When the war cry was rung, men rushed to arms. The pulsa- 
tions of patriotism were strong. What were ease, property, 
home, wife, children and friends, in comparison with the wel- 
fare of the country, " then in jeopardy?'^ Kothing 

N'o part of the Korth responded more freely than Michigan. 
Men were ready to volunteer, to endure the privations and 
dangers of the camp, the march, the bivouac and the battle. 
Where money was wanting, it was free. What cared men for 
gold, when the nation was breaking to pieces? What eared 
they for life? Those too old for the field, would bid the 
younger go, telling them, "We will take care of your families." 
Mothers, with tearful eyes, as they kissed their sons "good 
bye," would charge them, as Spartan mothers did, to remember 
they were inen^ fighting in a holy cause. 

A thousand from this Valley never returned. The list that 
follows sliows, as far as we have been able to ascertain, where 
the martyrs of freedom were laid to rest. The grave may be 
a humble one, unmarked, or marked "unknown," but it is an 
honored grave. 

Would we could say, that all participated in this patriotic 
feeling. But the shameful truth must be told; we had 
amongst us those who sympathized with the spirit of the re- 
bellion, and joined in the infamous "fire in the rear." God 
pity them! 

And, must it be said, when in the dread extremity, the per- 
emptory call was for men, there were a few — yes, just a f&w^ 
that to keep the worthless carcass they occujiied and disgraced, 
out of danger — sneaked to Canada. There are many men, 
who, with a noble pride will say: " My father died in the 
war;" but we pity the one who is compelled to own his father 



304: MEMORIALS OF THE 

run from the draft. It 7)%ay be the refugee to Canada does 
not blush when he meets the crippled, war-worn soldier. Yes, 
it may be. There are those who cannot blush. 

The military history of the Grand River Valley cannot be 
separated from that of the State. But this region has a more 
particular interest in the 3d, 21st, 25th, and 26tli Infantry; the 
2d, 3d, 6th, 7th, and 10th Cavalry; the 2d, 3d, and 13th Bat- 
teries; and the Ileginient of Engineers and Mechanics. Of 
these, the 3d Infantry was more especially Xkv^ jpet of the Val- 
ley, being composed almost exclusively of men from the river 
counties. 

The sketches of the history of the regiments which follow 
are copied from the Adjutant General's Reports. 

The list of the martyrs is partly from the same source. The 
list as gathered from the State records, was published in the 
connty papers, with the invitation that any one interested 
would make corrections or additions. Numerous corrections 
and additions were made in Ionia and Kent counties; none in 
Ottawa and Muskegon. The list is doubtless imperfect, al- 
though great pains liave been taken to make it complete. 

THE MARTYRS OF THE WAR. 

lONTA COUNTY. 

Joseph Antcliff: 25th I., Co. B. Chattanooga, Oct. 15, 1864. 

James E. Aldrich; 21st I., Co. P. Bowling Green, Ky., Nov. 20, 1862. 

Rufus W. Aldrich; 21st I., Co. I. Lebanon, Ky., Oct. 15, 1S62. 

Martin M. Alger; 13th I., Co. F. 1862. 

Silas W. Adams; 21st I., Co. I. Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 29, 1862. 

John Armstrong; 10th C, Co. G. Nashville, May 10, 1865. 

Edwin Anway; 21st I., Co. I. Nashville, Jan. 9, 1863. 

Hiram D. Austin; 6th C, Co. M. Fredericksburg, May 25, 1864. 

Charles H. Adams; 21st I., Co. I. Nashville, Dec. 30, 1862. 

Nathaniel Burt; 3d I., Co. D. Nashville, Feb. 8, 1865. 

Clark Boxie; 21st I., Co., K. Detroit, April 15, 1865. 

Joseph P. Bundy; 3d I., Co. E. Baltimore, July 4, 1862. 

.James W. Brown; 6th C, Co. E. Hawes' Shop, Va., March 28, 1864. 

Charles Burnham; 10th C, Co. B. Holstein, R., July 31, 1864. 

Morris Brooks, 3d I., Co. C. Murfreesboro, January 2. 1865. 

Geo. K. Bush; 14th I., Co. K. In hospital. 

Francis M. Brown; 27th I., 2d Ind. Co. Hillsborough, March 12, 1864. 

.Tames M. Bradford; 16th I., Co. B. Annapolis, Feb. 17, 1865. 

Leonard Brown; 15th I., Co. A. Little Rock, Ark., August 15, 1885. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 305 

John M. Bird; IGth I., Co. K. In the field, Virginia, June 11, 1865. 
Alonzo Blodgett, 21st T., Co. D. Lookout Mountain, August 25. 1864. 
Hiram Brownell; 15th I., Co. I. Cincinnati, March 18, 1862. 
Isaac Bowen; 15 I., Co. F. Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3, 1862. 
Joseph M. Brown, 13th I., Co. F. At home, 1862. 
Joseph Barber; 21st I., Co. D. LouisvUle, Nov. 28, 1862. 
Richard J. Bishop; Mill Creek, Tennessee, Dec. 7, 1862. 
Thomas L. Barry; 21st I., Co. K. Nashville, Dec. 2, 1862. 
Jerome Babcock; 21st I., Co. K. Danville, Ky., Nov. 28, 1862. 
Wm. P. Barnes; 1st U. S. Sharpshooters. Philadelphia, Nov. 15, 1862. 
Charles M. Benton; 25th I., Co. B. Louisville,. Dec. 1, 1862. 
Henry H. Bellaney; E. and M., Co. E. June 4, 1862. 
Eh Brink; E. and M., Co. E. March 3, 1862. 
Abner Brockway; 21st I., Co. I. Savannah, Dec. 23, 1864. 
Edward E. Bekhng; 16th I., Co. B. Harrison's Landing, July 18, 1862. 
James Bosser; 14th L, Co. H. Ypsilanti, Mich., March 24, 1862. 
Henry Bower; 1st C, Co. F. Washington, Aug. 26, 1862. 
Solomon D. Briggs; 27th I., 2d Ind. Co. Annapolis, Nov. 5, 1864. 
John K. Byres; 9th I., Co. H. West Pt., Ky., 1872. 
Abner K. Butler, IstC, Co. F. Middletown, Ky., March 24, 1862. 
Thomas Bellows; 8th I., Co. D. Falmouth, Dec. 9, 1862. 
Geo. W. Bernard; 6th C, Co. M. Andersonville, Oct. 1, 1964. 
Valentine Borden; 10th C, Co. G. Knoxville. 
William Borden, 
liyman Bonney. 

Thomas Benedict; 10th C, Co. H. Nashville, July 4, 1865. 
Benj. F. Bartlett, 21st I., Co. A. Louisville, Feb. 2. 1863. 
DeForest A. Bowerman; 21st I., Co. K. Nashville, Dec. 28, 1862. 
Albert Babcock; 21st I., Co. K. Nashville, July 20, 1863. 
WiUiam Burt; 21st I., Co. K. Murfreesboro, Tenn., May 16, 1863. 
John Briggs; 6th C, Co. E. Andersonville, June 25, 1884. 
Wm. Bradish, 16th I., Co. C. Beverly Ford, Va., Sept. 16, 1862. 
Richard Bartlett; 16th I.. Co. B. Gettysburg. July 1, 1863. 
Eli Benton; 16th L, Co. B. Salisbury, N. C, 1864. 
Doctor B. Bradley; 16th I., Co. B. Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 
Alphouzo D. Cheney; 21st I., Co. A. Chicamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 
John Coffin; 2ud I., Co. K. Alexandria, Aug. 22, 1864. 
Wm. W. Cooper; 16th I., Co. B. Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862. 
Justin A. Carver; E. and M., Co. I. New York, March 16, 1865. 
Joseph B. Cross; 21st L, Co. D. Chicamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 
Ezenor Champion; 21st I., Co. G. New York, March 13, 1865. 
Jason Currier; E. and M., Co. E,, New York, April 8, 1865. 
Horace E. Church; 26th L, Co. L Jan. 16, 1864. 
Josiah Converse; E. and M., Co. E. New Albany, Ind., Nov. 7, 1862. 
Charles Clark; 16th I., Co. B. Camp Backus, Mich., Aug. 29, 1861. 
John Connolly; 8th 1., Co. D. James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. 
Jesse I. Crapo; 3d I., Co. E. Fair Oaks. 

Martin F. Clyse; 3d I., Co. D. Alexandria, Va., March 19, 1862. 
20 



306 MEIMORIALS OF THE 

Byron Cronkite; 3d 0., Co. D. St. Louis, Jan. 11, 1862. 

Edward Chrisg-in; 21st I., Co. H. Lookout Mountain, Oct. 6, 1864. 

Silas A. Cair; 21st I., Co. C. Indianapolis, Sept. 13, 1864. 

Samuel H. Coe; E. and M., Co. E. Bridgeport, Ala., June 11, 1864. 

Thomas L. Cornell; E. and M., Co. E. Bridgeport, June 4, 1864. 

Seth Caiy; 6tli C, Co. E. Hawes' Shop, Va., May 28, 1864. 

Nelson H. Chase; 8th I., Co. B. Petersburgh, Va., July 4, 1864, 

Sffmuel Coon; E. and M., Co. K. Chattanooga, Aug. 20, 1864. 

LaFayette Cusper; 10th C, Co. L. Grand Rapids, Nov. 8, 1863. 

FrankUn J. Carey; 27th I., Co. C. Bethosda, Va., June 3, 1864. 

John M. Call; 3d I., Co. E. Alexandria, Va., Sept. 8, 1862. 

Jchn W. Chapman; 21st I., Co. A. Perryville, Ky., Nov. 20, 1862. 

James S. Colby; 27th L, Co. K. AVashington, June 21, 1864. 

Stephen Cole; 7th I., Co. K. Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Darius Cliilds; 21st I., Co. I. Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 17, 1862. 

Samuel H. Cross, 21st I., Co D. Bowhng Green, Nov. 25, 1862. 

Walter J. Crawford; 21st L, Co. D. Nashville, Dec. 27, 1862. 

Ebenezer Chase; 21st I., Co. A. Bowling Green, Ky,, Nov. 8, 1862. 

AVilliam Cummings; 15th I., Co. F. June 18, 1862. 

Solomon D. Clark: 27th L, Co. E. Portland, Mich. 

Peter A. Carrer; 21st I., Co. K. 

Samuel Carr; 10th C, Co. H. Detroit, Sept. 12, 1865. 

Albert D. Colby: 10th C, Co. G. Camp Nelson, Ky., March 23, 1865. 

Hail B. Clark; 3d I., Co. D. Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, 

Leman Clark: 21st L, Co. A. Nashville, Jan. 31, 1863. 

Hector Chubb; 21st I., Co. D. Louisville, Jan. 21, 1863, 

Robert W. Courter; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville, June 10, 1863. 

David Clark; 21st I., Co. K. Louisville, Dec, 1862. 

Samuel Cornell; 7th C, Co. I. Ft, Leavenworth, June 22, 1865. 

Henry Durker; E. & M., Co E. N. Y., May 8, 1865. 

Virgil F. Davis; 27th I. Petersburg, Vt, 

Eldron W Dunham; E. & M., Co. E, Elk River, Tenn., Dec. 15, 1864. 

Louis F. Dolphine; E. & M., Co. E. Jeftersonville, Jan. 25, 1864. 

Martin D. Davidson; 9th I., Co. D. Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 9, 1862. 

A. Decker; 6th C. Co. E. Yellow Tavern. Va., March 12, 1864. 

James R. Davis; 27th I., 2d Ind. Co. Washington, March 3, 1864. 

Arza E. Dibble; 25th I., Co. B. Evansville, Ind., August 13, 1863. 

Samuel Dupee; 25th I., Co. E. Louisville, Jan. 25, 1863. 

Albert Dexter; 3d C, Co. D. Ripley, Miss., Dec. 1, 1863. 

Nelson Doty; 21st I., Co. A. Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862. 

William V. Davis; 21st I., Co. D. Na.shville, Dec. 27, 1862. 

Ephraim Downer; 21st I., Co. A. Louisville, 1862. 

Jasper Davis; 27th I., Shai-p Shooters. Washington, June 10, 1864. 

Nathaniel Davenport; 29th I., Co. I. Alexandria, V^a., August 30, 1863. 

W H. Dalrymple; 10th C, Co. B. In Rebel prison, Jan., 1865. 

Ozial Davis; 27th I., Sharp Shooters. Petersburg, June 17, 1864. 

James F. Drake; 3d I., Co. E. Washington, Sept. 13, 1862. 

Sylvanus R. Drently; 3d 1., Co. E. Murlreesboro, Tenn., March 10, 1<^65. 



GEAOT3 EIVER VALLEY. 307 

« 

Lorenzo Deinoary; 2cl C, Co. F. Winchester, Tenn., April 5, 1865. 

.Josiah Dea,n; 9th I., Co. F. Chattanooga, May 6. 1864. 

Martin Eckhart; 3d L, Co. D. Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 4, 1865. 

David S. Ekchavt; 2d C, Co. I. Memphis. April 18, 1863. 

Jason A. Elliott; 3d I., Co. C. San Antonia, Texas, Dec. IB. 1865. 

James Edmeston; 21st I., Co. D. Danville, Va., Jan. 20, 1864. 

H. Edwards; 6th C, Co. E. Yellow Tavern, Va., May 12, 1864. 

David W. Emery; 7th I., Co. G. Philadelphia, June 30, 1862. 

Wm. English; 15th I., Co. E. Corinth, June 17, 1862. 

Charles J. Everest; 21st I., Co. A. Nashville, Nov. 22, 1862. 

Wm. C. Estes; 3d I., Co. B., Fair Oaks. 

Lyman C. Eastman; 10th C, Co. H. Nashville, May 26, 1865. 

John D. Everest; 13th I., Co. F. Nashville, Jan. 21, 1863. 

Seth Edwards; 6th C, Co. E. Anderson ville. Sept. 5, 1864. 

Orrin Eddy; 21st I., Co. A. Bowling Green, Dec. 20, 1862. 

Alfred Fra'sier; E. & M., Co. E. Goldsborough, Tenn., Dec. 15, 1864. 

Garrett Finn; 13th I., Co. D. Ringold, Ga., Feb. 28, 1865. 

Bermont Fuller; 3d C, Co. D. St. Louis, March 31, 1862. 

John Frederick; E. & M., Co. K. Ringold, July 1, 1864. 

George F. Fargo; 3d I., Co. D. Camp, Va., March 15, 1864. 

Gardner C. Freeman; 3d C , Co. D. Juka, Miss., Sept. 7, 1862. 

Thomas Farrill; 6th C, Co. M. Harper's Fen^, Aug. 17, 1864. 

Samuel Freehouse, 16th I., Co. B. Oct. 11, 1862. 

Wm. H. Frefield, 2d. C, Co. C. Shoal Creek, Md., Nov. 5, 1864. 

Austin 0. Fish, 7th C, Co. I. Harper's Ferry, April 18, 1865. 

Isaac L. Fickes; 21st I., Co. A. Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 10, 1863. 

Albert S. Faxon; 9th I., Co. D. Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 20, 1863. 

Munson Granger; 5th I., Co. A. Alexandria, Va., May 10, 1864. 

William Gee; 8th I., Co. B. Petersburg, Dec. 14, 1864. 

.James W. Green; 3d C, Co. D. Keene, Mich., Dec. 1, 1861. 

John M. Gold; 21st L, Co. D. Newbem, N. C, April 6, 1865, 

Oliver Gardner; 5th I., Co F. June, 1864. 

Charles K. Green; E. & M., Co. K. Chattanooga, June 13, 1864. 

Charles 0. Gage; E. & M., Co. C. Chattanooga. March 15, 1864. 

Wm. G. Green; 2d I., Co. B. July 18, 1864. 

Charles Gross; 6th C, Co. M. Hawes' Shop, May 28, 1864. 

A. C. Godfrey; 26th I., Co. I. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

Mnnson P. Green; 8th I., Co. B. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

Sullivan Gaines; 2d C, Co. M. Knoxville, Feb. 2, 1864, 

Erastus Goff; 27th I., Sharp-shooters. Washington, July 22, 1864. 

Albert Gibbs; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville, Dec. 13, 1862. 

Willis R. Griffin; 9th I., Co. D. Murfrei.-sboro, Tenn., July 2, 1862. 

Elmon Greely; 3d I., Co. E. Fair Oaks. 

Edward Goodmough; 3d C, Co. I. Hamburg. Tenn., May 26, 1862. 

Nelson G. Grommond; 3d I., Co. D. Killed by accident, Jan. 6, 1863. 

Henry Greenhoe; 21st 1., Co. D. Murfreesboro, Tenn., Aug. 5, 1863. 

James Gray; 6th C, Co. E. Andersonville, Oct. 23, 1864. 

Martin L. Green; 25th I.. Co. B. Bowling Green, May 15, 1863. 



308 MEMORIALS OF THE 

• 
Chris. Greanhoe; 21st I., Co. D. Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 27, 1863, 
Seth W. Guernsey; 2l9t I., Co. K. Nashville, Feb. 17, 1863. 
Russell Hoyt; 2l9t I., Co. B. Florence, S. C, Jan. 31, 1864. 
Josephs. Howarth; Washington, Oct. 28, 1861. 
David Houseman ; 
Miles E. Huchinson; 6th Cav. 
Henry M. Hinman; 3d C, Co. D. Keokuk, Iowa. 
Benj. F. Hammond; 5th I., Co. F. June, 1864. 
James H. Hall; E. & M., Co. G. Ringold, Ga., July 7, 1864. 
Geo. Henderleider; E.& M., Co. E. Nashville, Jan. 10, 1864. 
Adams B. Hawley; 3d C, Co. D. Arkansas, July 9, 1864. 
Charles Hogles; Uth C, Co. C. Lexington, 1861. 
Don A. Hubbell; 10th C, Co. G. Camp Nelson, Ky., March 6, 1864, 
Warren Hopkins; 6tli C, Co. E. Andersonville Prison, July 12, 1864. 
Wilham Hyler; 26th I., Co. I. Deep Bottom, Va., July 27, 1864. 
James R. Howell; 21st I., Co. K. Horse Cave, Ky., Nov. 16, 1862. 
Harvey H. Haiglit; 21st I., Co. A, Louisville, Nov. 27, 1862. 
Harvey N. Howes; 21st I., Co. D. Ionia, Sept. 18, 1862. 
James Henderson; 21st I., Co. D. Bardstown, Ky., Dec. 5, 1862. 
Frank Hall; 21st 1., Co. D. Nashville, Nov. 30, 1862. ' 
Sylvanus Hall; 21st L, Co. D, Nashville, 1862. 
Robert Henderson; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville. Nov. 15, 1862. 
Norton B. Hathaway; 13th I., Co. F. At home, 1862. 
Geo. Husker; 9th I., Co. D. W. Point, Ky., Nov. 15, 1862. 
Jacob N. Houseman; 9th 1., Co. D. Murfreesboro, Tenn., June 4, 1862. 
T. I. Hoffman; 15th 1., Co. D. Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
Joseph Heaton; 21st I., Co. E. North Anna, May 24, 1864. 
Hiram S. Hunt; 9th I., Co. H. Chattanooga, March 6, 1864. 
WiUiam Hall; E. and M., Co. K. Alex, Va., May 10th, 1865. 
Alb3rt Hopkins; 10th C, Co. I. Lenoir, Tenn., June 25th, 1865. 
Henry N. Howes; 21st I., Co. E. Ionia, Sept. 18th, 1862. 
Charles Hinds; 2d I., Co. G. June 2d, 1864, of wounds. 
Alfred P. Hunt; 9th I., Co. D. Nash., Dec. 9th, 1864, 
York C. Hathaway; 13th Inf, Chattanooga, Oct. 7th, 1863. 
Edward A. Hawley; 15th I., Co. A. January 25th, 1865. 
Milo A. Hubbs; 3d C, Co. D, St. Louis, Jan. 4th, 1862. 
James H. Henry; 21st I,, Co. B, Dalton, Ga., Dec. 12th, 1864. 
George W. Hopkins; 21st I., Co. B. Indianapolis, March 22d, 1865, 
Charles Howe; 3d I., Co. E. Yorktown, 1862, 
Daniel M. Horton; 3d I., Co. I, June 15th, 1862. 
Nathaniel Hopldns: 6th C, Co. E. Andersonville, June 12th, 1864, 
Wm. 0. Hayes; 6th C, Co. C. 

Isaac R, Hart; 6th C, Co. E. Andersonville, May 1st, 1864. 
Asahel Hopkins; 6th C, Co. L, Winchester, Oct. 1st, 1864, 
George Houser; 25th I., Co. B. Drowned, Loudon, Tenn., Oct. 22d, 1863. 
John Howell; 10th C, Co. B. Michigan. 
Henry C. Hubbs; 21st I., Co. A. 
Artemas Hinds; 21st I,, Co. K, Nashville, May 21st, 1863. 



GEAND RIVEK VALLEY. 309 

Joseph Hopkins; 21st I., Co. B. Louisville, Dec. 24tli, 1862. 

John P. Ingalls; 25th I., Co. B. March 19th, 1863. 

Darius H. Inman; 21st I., Co. A. Nashville, Nov. 24th, 1862. 

Wm. W. Johnson; 21st I., Co. D. Chattanooga, Oct. 12th, 1863. 

Americ Joslyn; 15th I., Co. B. Louisville, Nov. 14th, 1862. 

Marshall King; 25tlTi L, Co. B. Nashville, May 30th, 1864. 

George Kingston; 21st I., Co. D. Bowling Green, Nov. 20th, 1862. 

Edward Kennett ; 16th I., Co. B. Halls Hill, Va., Nov. 5th. 1861. 

Alexander H. King; 21st I., Co. A. Cowan, Tenn., July 21st, 1863. 

John W. Kellogg; 15th L, Co. D. Corinth, July 9th, 1862. 

WiUiam Kibby; 21st I., Co. A. Louisville, January 6th, 1863. 

George Kimberly. 

Peter Lampman; 2d I., Co. F. Willard's Point, N. Y., Dec. 14th, 1864. 

Thaddeus Lamourandere; 1st Sharp Shooters. Spottsylvania, May 12th, 

1864. 
Edgar S. Lewis; 21st L, Co. I. Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 20th, 1862. 
Elias Lillie; 21st L, Co. I. Lebanon, Ky. Nov. 20th, 1862. 
Ashley Leet; 9th I., Co. H. W. Point, Ky., 1862. 
John Lamoreau; 21st L, Co. K. Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 25th, 1863. 
Archibald Lowrey; 21st I., Co. I. Nashville, Tenn., March 21st, 1863. 
Isaac Lovell; 25th I., Co. B. Atlanta, August 6th, 1864. 
William Munn; 24th I., Co. A. Washington, Oct. 4th, 1864. 
George H. March; 3d L, Co. E. Graveton, Va., August 29th, 1862. 
Peter Mapes; 2d L, Co. K. June 18th, 1864, of wounds. 
Nelson G. Merrill; 21st I., Co. A. Stone River, Dec. 31st, 1862. 
George Morrison; 3d I., Co. C. Nash., March 30th, 1865. 
Charles A. Mills; 3d C, Co. D. On steamer, May Uth, 1862. 
John Mott; E. and M., Co. F. Detroit, June 11th, 1864. 
James McNiel; 2d C, Co. C. Nash., July 15th, 1864. 
Frederick Miry; 10th C, Co. B. Somerset, Ky., Feb. 24th, 1864. 
Hermon More; 25th I., Co. B. August 1st, 1864. 
Edwin McLain; 25th I., Co. B. Red Clay, Ga.. May 6th, 1864. 
Charles R. Moseby; 27th I., Co. K. Spottsylvania, Va., May 12th, 1864. 
Joseph Mosher; 3d I., Co. E. Washington, July 20th, 1862. 
George Mills; 3d I., Co. E. July 20th, 1861. 
Lennis Miller; 21st I., Co. A. Louis^nlle, Nov. 21st, 1862. 
Oliver Mowiy; 21sfc I., Co. I. Bowling Green, Dec. 20th, 1862. 
Robert Morse; 21st I., Co. I. Stone River, Dec. 31st, 1862. 
Charles A. Mooney; 21st I., Co. I. Lebanon, Ky., Oct. 26th, 1862 
Francis M. Mather; 21st I., Co. I. Detroit, Oct. 17th, 1862. 
Jason Mills; 9th I.; Co. D. West Point, Ky., Dec. 9th, 1861. 
Alexander Marcy; 11th L, Co. H. Chattanooga, April 1st, 1865. 
Edward Mallory; 3d I., Co. C. Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dec. 28th, 1865. 
William Monroe; 3d I., Co. K. Washington. May 8th, 1863. 
Samuel E. Messer; 16th I., Co. H. Gaines Hill, June 27th, 1862. 
Newcomb G. Marcy; 27th I., 1st Ind. Co. Washington, June 13th, 1864. 
Frank Mosier; 10th C, Co. I. Knoxville, April 1.5th, 1865. 
Wm. H. H. Moore; 10th C, Co. G. Somerset, Ky. 



)10 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Amherst B. Milluiiiie; E. and M., Co. C. Alexandria, Va., May r2tli. 1865. 

Thomas McBride; 8th I., Co. B. Milldale, Miss., .July 29th, 186:3. 

.Tohn Moore; 21st I.. Co. A. Nashville, Januaiy od, 1863. 

Geo. W. Merchant; 6th C, Co. E. Fredericksburnr, May 28th, 1864. 

Aaron 1. Miller; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville, March 23d 1863. 

Frederick Neidart; 21st L, Co. D. Chattauoog-a, April 16th, 1884. 

Elisha North; E. and M., Co. E. Bridg-eport, Ala., June 2d, 1864. 

Adna Nelson; 16th I., Co. H. Gaines Hill, June 27th 1862. 

Warren Owen; 2d I.. Co. K. Philadelphia, June 4th, 1865. 

John A. Owen; 16th I., Co. H. Petersburg, June 20th, 1864. 

George Orcott; 1st C, Co. F. Frederick, Md., January 30th, 1862. 

Isaac A. Owen; 3d I., Co. E. Fair Oaks. 

Jedediah E. Osburn; 6th C, Co. E. Andersonville. November 13th, 1864. 

John C. Parcell; 3d I., Co. C. Huntsville, Ala., February 28th, 1865. 

Daniel PodrulF; 13th I., Co. C. In prison. 

Wm. J. Powell; 21st I., Co. D. Chicamauga. September 20th, 1863. 

George F. Preston; 21st I., Co. D. Bowling- Green, November 16th, 1862. 

James Pettmgill; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville. November 17th, 1862. 

John Podraff; 13th I., Co. C. Louisville. March 8th, 1862. 

Wm. L. Plant; 9th I., Co. D. West Point, Ky., November 23d, 1861. 

Theophilus Prosser; 27th 1., Co. K. City Point, Va., December 1st, 1864. 

Russell B. Parmenter; 21st I., Co. A. Nashville, January 2d, 1863. 

Cyrus Persons; 21st I., Co. A. Murfreesboro, Temi., April 16th, 1863. 

Charles Rich; 21st I., Co. K. Nashville, Feb. 28, 1863. 

John Rawson; 21st I., Co. K. Supposed dead. 

Corydon L. Robbinson 2nd 1., Co. G. Washington, 1864. 

D. Rider; 2nd I., Co. A. In Michigan, June, 1864. 

Martin Robins; 2nd I., Co., A. In Michigan, June, 1864. 

Wm. H. Robinson; 6th C, Co. E. Washington, March 6, 1863. 

Alex. Robertson; 8th I., Co. B. Petersburg, July, o, 1864. 

B. Ryder; 27th I., 2nd Ind. Co. Annapolis, Sept. 9, 1864. 

Hii-ara Raymond; 8th I., Co. B. Grand Rapids, Sept. 21, 1861. 

Ives Ransom; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville, Dec. 3, 1862. 

Henry C. Rice; 9th I., Co. D. Shelbyville, June 7, 1862. 

Joseph Robinson; 10th C, Co. A. Somerset, Feb., 1864. 

Chartes H. Rhodes; 3d I., Co. E. Fair Oaks. 

John Riheni; 21st I., Co. K. Rolling Fork, Oct. 24, 1862. 

Orrin A. Reed; 21st I., Co. K. Camp Bradley, Jan. 31, 1863. 

Moses M. Robins; 3d I., Co. D. Philadelijhia. April 2, 1863. 

Myron S. Robinson, 21st I., Co. D. Lookout Mountain, Oct. 5, 1864. 

Marshall T. Ranger; 16th I., Co. B. North Anna, May 26, 1864. 

Randall D. Stockings; 13th Battery. Washington, Nov. 6, 1864. 

.lames Stinson; 21st I., Co. D. Greenwich Station, 0., Dec. 23, 1864. 

August Schmidt; 3d I., Co. C. Washington, Dec. 1, 1862. 

Thomas L. Steele; 21st I., Co. A. BentouAdUe, N. C, March 19, 1865. 

Nathan C. Sessions; 9th I., Co. D. Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 12, 1864. 

'i'homas Smith; 27th I., Co. E. Petersburg, Feb. 3. 1865. 

Kbenezer F. Smith, Jr.; 9th L, Co. D. Portland, Mich., Sept. 29, 1862 



GEAND KIYER VALLEY. 311 

JohnF. Simpson; 7tli C, Co. M. Morton's Ford., Va., Dec. 28, 1863. 

Geo. SlocLim, 3d I., Co. D. (of wounds). Nov. 1, 1S62. 

Geo. Stewart; 27th I., Co. H. Petersburg, Dec. 26, 1864. 

Jacob Sperry; 27th L, 2nd Ind. Co. Aug., 1864. 

George Shaw; 27th I., 2nd Ind. Co. Annapolis. 

Wm. T. Scar; 21st I., Co. I. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Major Shute; 21st I., Co. I. Nashville, Dec. 2, 1862. 

Wheeler I. Smith; 21st I., Co. K. Nashville, Nov. 18, 1862. 

Henry Sinkey; 16th I., Co. H. Har. Landing, July28, 1862, 

John Sweet: 9th I., Co. H. West Point, Ky., 1862. 

Harrison Snyder; 15th I., Co. F. April 18, 1862. 

Charles Sweet: 9th I., Co. H. West Point, Ky., 1852. 

Charles Sexton; 9th I., Co. H. Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1862. 

James 0. Sliter; 6th C, Co. E. 

Johnson Sutton; 9th I. Co. D. Ehzabethtown, Ky., Feb. 27, 1862, 

Wm. Starkey; 21st I., Co. D. LouisvUle, Ky., Feb. 27, 1863. 

Geo. Sargeant; 14th I., Co. F. Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 4, 1863. 

John A Tompkins; 5th I., Co. A. In prison, S. C. 

Francis Thompson; 14th I., Co. B. Jeffersonville, Ind., Feb. 5, 1865. 

Albert Trowbridge. 

Eugene Thompson; 16th I., Co. B. Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 

Homer Tinno; 6th C, Co. E. Alexandria, Va. Nov. 12, 1864. 

Richard M. Tower; 16th I., Co. B. Fort Monroe, Sept. 15, 1862. 

Albert Truax; 6th C, Co. E. Washington, Feb. 12, 1864. 

Ira G. Turner; 3d I., Co. B. Nov. 28, 1861. 

Sherbourne H. Todd; 21st I., Co. I. GaUatin, Tenn., Jan. 17, 1863. 

Emery Tattle; 16th I., Co. B. Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

Reuben Tower; 3d I., Co. K. Gettysburg. July 2, 1863. 

Peter Van Doran; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville, December 26, 1862. 

Mason Vosper; 2d I., Co. E. Petersburg, August 19, 1866. 

Geo. Varnum; 9th I., Co. D. Elizabethtown, Ky., March 19, 1862, 

Erastus C. Vandyke; 21st I., Co. A. Louisville, Dec. 23, 1862. 

Peter S. Vanderhoe; 21st I., Co. D. Nashville, Dec. 26, 1862. 

H. P. Van Alstine; 21st I., Co. I. Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. 

James E. Witt; 2d I., Co. H. Washington, October 20, 1864. 

Samuel D. Wells; 27th I , Co. B. 

William Wright; 16th I., Co. B. Gaines' Mills. June 27, 1862. 

Wm. J. WooUey; 21st T., Co. B. Chattanooga, March 16, 1865 . 

George W. Winters; 21st I., Co. K. Louisville, October 4, 1863. 

Benj. F. Wait; 2d Ind. Co. City Point, Va., September 18, 1864. 

Alonzo L. White; 8th C, Co. G. March 15, 1862. 

Mar'sin V. B. Wilmarth; 3dC., Co. D. Rienzi; no date. 

Charles H. West; 3d I., Co D David's I., N. Y., September 22, 1862. 

Peter West; 15th L, Co. F. Benton Barracks, Mo , June 11, 1862. 

John L. Wood; 21st t., Co. A. liouisville, November 23, 1862. 

Cornelius M. Wade; 21st [., Co. A. Louisville, November 23, 1862. 

Bates McWethey; 21st T., Co. I. Bowling Green, November 16. 1862. 

Rufus Wright; lath I., Co. F. St. Louis, May 15, 1862. 



312 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Ira Wheeler; 9tli I., Co. H. West Point, Ky., 1862. 

Charles Wright; 9th I., Co. H. West Point, 1862. 

.Tames Winters; 9th I., Co. D. West Point, November 13, 1861. 

Wm. Wilson; 9th I., Co. D. West Point, February 17, 1862. 

Caleb F. Weaver; 2d C, Co. F . Cowan, Tenn., October 6, 1863. 

Robert Winksworth; 6th C, Co. E. Andersonville, February 2, 1865. 

Henry H. Wing; E. and M., Co. C. NashviUe, July 12, 1864. 

John A. Wright; 25th I., Co. B. Bowling Green, March 5, 1863. 

John D. Wade; 3d I., Co. D. Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

Harvey C. Wilder; 6th C, Co. E. August 15, 1863. 

Hu-am Wilder; 1.3th I., Co. C. David's I., N. Y., May 16, 1865. 

James R. Wright; 21st I., Co. K. New York city, February 1, 1865. 

John York, Jr.; 21st I., Co. D. Ionia, March 20, 1865. 

George Younger; 3d C, Co. D. Brownsville, Ark., October 8, 1864. 

Oliver York; 21st I., Co. D. Bowling Green, November 15, 1862. 

KENT COUNTY. 

Hezekiah Aickly; 5th C, Co. B. Stevensburg, Va., April 12, 1864. 

James Andrews; 6th C, Co. H. Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864. 

Henry L. Arnold; 10th C, Co. E. Somerset, Ky., Feb. 9, 1864. 

George Ames; 5th I., Co. E. March 23, 1865. 

SUas Aldrich; 25th I., Co. B. Bowling Green, April 8, 1863. 

Richard Alcott; 1st C, Co. L. Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862. 

Oriin A. Andrews; 3d I., Co. K. Yorktown, Aug. 19, 1862. 

Benj. A. Austin; 3d I., Co. F. Seven Pines, May 31, 1862. 

Chandler Andrews; 3d I., Co. K. Harper's Landing, Aug. 2, 1862. 

James G. Bateraan; 21st I., Co. I. Nashville, Jan. 27, 1863. 

Ira C. Baxter; 21st I., Co. I. Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 2-0, 1863. 

Charies E. Barr; 21st I., Co. B. Nashville. May 2, 1864. 

Geo. H. Barnes; 21st I., Co. B. Nashville, April 17, 1863. 

James Brown, 14th I., Co. B. Columbia, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1864. 

.James Bruce; 3d I., Co. A. Wilderness, May 8, 1864. 

.John Baird; E. & M., Co. C. Chattanooga, June 8. 1864. 

Albert Brown, 1st Lieut.; Artillery, Co. L. Kentucky, March 1, 1864 

Abraham Bishop; 5th C, Co. B. Hawes' Shop, May 28, 1864. 

S. Benson; 7th C, Co. L. Alexandria, Va., Nov. 20, 1863. 

Wm. F. Bates; 7th C, Co. L. Sept., 1864. 

Wm. F. Brockway; 6th C, Co. H. Middletown, Va., Oct. 19, 1833. 

Theuphilus B. Baxter; 2d C, Co. F. Knoxville, AprU, 1864, 

Austin Bates; 2d C, Co. F. Jackson, Tenn., 1864. 

Jutson D. Bailey; 2d C, Co. E. St. Louis, Feb. 10, 1862. 

.John Bain; 2d C., Co. D. St. Louis, April 10, 1862. 

Loren C. Bingham; 9th I., Co. C. April 7, 1865. 

Simeon Bush; 10th C, Co. M. Camp Nelson, Va., March 17, 1865. 

M. Bullis; 6th C, Co. M. Harper's Ferry, April 25, 1865. 

Wm. H. Briggs; 21st I., Co. F. NashviUe, April 22. 

Hinmi Blood; 3d I., Co. I. Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. 

Charles II. Brown; 21st I., Co. E. April 14, 1863. 



GEAISTD KIVER VALLEY. 313 

Alonzo Blackraore; 6th C, Co. H. Washington, May 21, 18G3. 

James Bement; 1st Lieut., Art. Kentucky, July 14, 1863. 

Robert Bell; 6th C, Co. H. Culpepper, Sept. 22, 1863. 

'ri-uman J. Bacon; 6th C, Co. F. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 

Charles B. Burness; 3d I., Co. A. Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

Amos Bessey; 2d Battery. Pittsburg Landing, April 30, 1862. 

Wm. M. Brockway; 6th C, Co. H. Raccoon Ford, Va., Sept. 16, 1863. 

Alvln Briggs; 26th I., Co. I. Washington, June 30, 1864. 

Charles Balsaw; 6th C, Co. B. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 

Charles E. Buck; 18th I., Co. C. Decatur, Ala., August 20, 1864. 

Wm. F. Brockway; 6th C, Co. H. Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 

E. Butler; 6th C, Co. M. City Ft., Va., August 12, 1864. 

Ceorge Bryant; 6th C, Co. H. Anderson ville, June 19, 1864. 

Joseph Berry; 25th I., Co. B. Nashville, December 1-5, 1864. 

Oscar Bylsma; 21st I., Co. H. Nashville, Dec. 15, 1862. 

Lorenzo Buckley; 2d C, Co. F. Keokuk, March 18, 1863. 

Moses H. Black; 25th L, Co. B. Centerville, Nov. 27, 1864. 

WiUiam N. Barnard; 13th I., Co. C. Dunlap, Tenn., August 23, 1863. 

James Blackall; 21st L. Co. B. Fayetteville, N. C, March 13, 1865. 

Jonathan Bailey; E. & M., Co. B. Washington, June 14, 1865. 

Edwards Butters; 6th C, Co. M. Trevillion, Va., June 11, 1864. 

Andrew Barber; 3d I., Co. D. Portsmouth Hosp., Sept. 22, 1862. 

Theodore Bloomis; 21st I., Co. E. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Alonzo S. Berry; 3d I., Co. A. Huntsville, Ala., March 3, 1865. 

Marcus H. Barclay: 16th L, Co. I. 

Henry A. Bennett; 14th L, Co F. Cincinnati, Ohio. August 6, 1862. ' 

Hemy Beach; 13th I., Co. C. Nashville, August 2, 1862. 

Jacob Beasler; 1st C, Co. L. Nov. 21, 1863. 

Barnett Burt, E. & M., Co. I. Nashville, May 21, 1862, 

Charles A. Bailey; 8th L WUmington. April 16, 1862. 

Charles Bloss; 8th I., Co. F. Hilton Head, Nov. 26, 1862. 

Henry C. Burhame; 2d C, Co. B. Farmington, Miss., July 14, 1862. 

JutsonD. Bailey; 2d C, Co. E. Benton Bar, Feb. 20, 1862. 

Rufus W. Bliss; 2d C, Co. E. Jan. 24, 1862. 

Henry P. Beckwith; 3d I., Co. K. Groveton, Va., 1862. 

Emir A. Bell; 3d I., Co. F. Groveton, Va., August 29, 1862. 

Cyrus W. Bullen; 3d I., Co. K. Groveton, 1862. 

Charles Browman; 4th C, Co. H. Andersonville, June 20, 1864. 

Daniel Bugel; 3d L, Co. F. Groveton, August 29, 1862. 

George H. Barker; E. & M., Co. C. Covington, Ky., May 8, 1862. 

Christian Behler; 2d C, Co. F. Commerce, Md., March, 1862. 

Patrick Bums; 3d I., Co. D. Nashville, June 18, 1865. 

Robert Bruton; 3d I., Co. D. New Market, Tenn., March 3, 1865. 

Seth A. Boynton; 1.5th L, Co. A. St. Louis, May 1, 1862. 

L. Byron Brewer; Lieut. Berdan's Sharp Shooters, Co. C. ChancellorsviUe, 

May 3, 1863. 
James Blackall; killed. 
John Carroll; 14th I., Co. B. Rough and Ready, Ga., Sept. 7, 1865. 



314 MEMORIALS OF THE 

James Cowan; 1st Ind. Co. Laurel Hills, Va., May 11, 1864. 

Josiah F. Clark; 13tli I., Co. C. Chattanoocra, Tenn. Dec. 30. 1863. 

Alonzo Case; 5th I., Co. F. Virginia, Oct. 27, 1864. 

Thomas Conger; 6th I., Co. E. Washington, Julyl, 1864. 

Wm. L. Coughtry; 3d I., Co. B. Wildnerness, May 5, 1864. 

A. H. Coon; 6th C, Co. A. Trevillion, Va., June 11, 1864. 

A. I. Cathcart; 5th C, Co. B. Grand Rapids, July 6, 1864— of wounds. 

David A. Cramer; 10th C, Co. E. Willsonville, Tenu., June 6, 1864. 

Howard P. Church; 4th C, Co. H. Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb.l, 1864. 

J. P. Clarke; 6th C. Co. F. July 30, 1864. 

Amos C. Classon; 2d C, Co. F. Nashville, March 8, 1864. 

George Culver; 3d I., Co. E. Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 

Henry W. Carpenter; 2d C, Co. F. Alexandria, Va., Jan. 11, 1864. 

Isaac Camp; 10th C, Co. L. Kentucky, April 6, 1864. 

Julius H. Clark; 10th C, Co. L. Cascade, Mich., April 25, 1864. 

Abraham Cresfield; 2d C, Co. A. 

Albert Clute. At home. 

James Campbell; 2d C, Co. D. St. Louis, June 25, 1862. 

Rufus Cheney; 2d C, Co. D. N. Madrid, Mo., April 12, 1862. 

Alphonzo D. Cheney, 21st I., Co. A. Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 

Julius 0. Campbell; 21st I., Co. H. Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 

Job. Carter; 21st L, Co. I. Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 

Henry Camp; 10th I., Co. B. Washington, May 29, 1865. 

Nicolas Canton; 5th I., Co. I. Detroit, Jan. 2, 1865. 

Silas W. Cutter; 3d L, Co. B. Murfreesboro, Dec. 12, 1864. 

Henry Clai-k; 8th L, Co. D. Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864. 

James Christopherson; 3d L, Co. B. Knox\alle, Tenn., April 1, 1865. 

Geo. S. Cheesbro; E. & M., Co. B. Goldsborough, April 4, 1865. 

Harvey S. Curtis; 6th C, Co. M. Richmond, Va., Feb. 15, 1864. 

Alex. Cole; 21st I., Co. E. Of wounds, Jan. 20, 1863. 

Anson B. Corwin; E. & M., Co. F. Harpeth R.. Teim., Oct. 3, 1863. 

A. Cadwell; 2d C, Co. F. Franklin, Tenn., March 7. 1863. 

John W. Coykendale; E. & M., Co. D. Lavergne, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1863. 

Wm. L. Caper; 25th 1., Co. B. Mumfordville, Ky., Jan. 3, 1863. 

Theodore A. Chapin; 21st I., Co. H. Nashville, June 8, 1863. 

Wm. H. Cranston ; 21st L, Co. B. Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 20, 1863. 

John F. Crysler; 3d I., Co. K. Falmouth, Va., May 13, 1865. 

Oliver Culber; 3d I., Co. K. Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Jesse Coon; 3d I., Co. K. Chancellorsville, Va.. May 3, 1863. 

Francis M. Crawford; 6th C, Co. F. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 

Charles Crauss; 6th C, Co. A. Hunterstown, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Hugh Cox; 1st Sharp Shooters, Co. C. In Michigan, June 12, 1862. 

John Cantwell; 3d C, Co. G. Grand Rapids, July 1, 1862. 

F. M. Coats; 26th 1., Co. I. Cold Harbor, June 7, 1864. 

Geo. W. Gluts; 26th 1., Co. I. Washington. May 25, 1864 

P. Coburn, 8th I. James Island, July 10, 1862. 

David Cline ; 26th I., Co. 1 . Feb. 1 , 1864. 

Jeremiah Gary; 26th I., Co. I. Washington, July 18, 1864. 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 315 

James Carroll; 14th I., Co. B. Ypsilanti, Mich. 

Angus Campbell ; 21st I., Co. H. Nashville, Dec. 8, 1862. 

Newell CaykendaU; E. & M., Co. G. Nashville, Sept. 21, 1862. 

Septimus Carlton: 21st I., Co. H. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

James Congdon; M I., Co. B. Groveton, Va., Aug. 29, 1862. 

Richard Cusser, 13th I., Co. C. Louisville, March 15, 1862. 

Noah Casner; 16th I., Co.G. Washington, June 6, 1865. 

Geo. Corpoi-an; 21st T., Co. E. Walker, Mich., March 19, 1863. 

Orson 0. David; 27th L, Co. K. Wilmington, N. C, March 3, 1885. 

Byron J. Dart; 42d 111. I. Jan. 1, 1864. 

John P. DuKruif; 1st Ind. Co. Alexandria, Va., June 29, 1864. 

Edward S. Drew; 10th C, Co. C. Knoxville, Tenn. Oct. 12, 1864. 

Thomas A. Davis; 1st Lt. Art., Co. B. Rome, Ga., June 1, 1864. 

Eben Delano; 2d C, Co. C. NashviUe, July 4, 1864. 

David A. Demiison; 10th C, Co.'E. Kentucky, Jan. 23, 1863. 

John L. DeGrot; 5th 1., Co. I. Michigan, Aug. 8, 1865. 

Wm. D. Davis; 3d I., Co. C. San Antonio, Tex., Sept. 29, 1865. 

Frederick Deal; 13th I., Co. D. Nashville, Sept. 26, 1863. 

Wm. P. Draper; 5th I., Co. A. Toledo, 0., March 4, 1865. 

Abraham Dees; 7th C, Co. K. In prison, 1864. 

Emery Durham; 7th C, Co. K. Richmond, Feb. 15, 1864. 

l:^aac Dean; 21st I., Co. H. GalhopoUs, 0., Feb. 13, 1863. 

Asa Douglass; 8th I., Co. B. Milldaie, Miss., July 18, 1863. 

Daniel Draper, 6th C, Co. E. Warrenton June, Aug. 10, 1863. 

Geo. Dillenback; 26th I., Co. I. Petersburg, Va., June 16, 1864. 

Wm. M. Davis; 26 I., Co. Co. I. Deep Bottom, Va., Aug. 11, 1864. 

James Dexter; 3rd I., Co. A. Green Lake, Texas, Sept. 1, 1865. 

John E. Davis; E. and M., Co. C. Nashville, April 27, 1862. 

Samuel Dodge; 3rd I., Co. A. Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 

Hiram Daily; 3rd I., Co. A. Ft. Monroe, April 10, 1862. 

AVm. H. Daniels; 3rd I., Co. A. Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 

Tliomas A. Eddie; 2nd Lieut. 6th C. Meadow Ridge, May 12, 1863. 

Milo Ensign; 1st Lieut. 1st Light Art., Co. E. Tecumseh, Ala., 1862. 

Lyman Evans; 26th I., Co. I. Andersonville prison, Oct. 20, 1864. 

Stephen W. Ewing; 21st I., Co. H. Nashville, Feb. 1, 1863. 

John W. Ewing; 21st I., Co. H. Nashvihe, Feb. 11, 1863. 

James W. Emmons; 21st I., Co. B. Nashville, Dec. 26, 1862. 

James Eddy; 3rd C. Rienzi, Miss., June 21, 1862, 

Henry EUis; 1st C, Co. L. Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862. 

Henry E. Filkins; 3rd I., Co. F. North Anna, May 25, 1864. 

Alvin Fuller; 10th C, Co. M. Knoxville, Tenn., April 8, 1864. 

Hiram Filly; 2nd C, Co. D. Farmington, Miss., July 15, 1862. 

Geo. W. French; 1st Light Art., Co. E. Shiloh, May 1, 1862. 

John A. Fox; 4th C, Co. H. Mitchell ville, Tenn., Nov. 16, 1862. 

Charles H. Frost; E. and M., Co. B. July 18, 1862. 

Lucien B. Fullington; 2ud C, Co. F. St. Louis, Sept. 5, 1862. 

Isaac Francis; 3rd I., Co. D. Of wounds, Nov. 1, 1862. 

Alvm R. Ford; 8th I., Co. D. James Island, June 16, 1862. 



316 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

Wm. A. Francisco; 25tli I., Co. B. Nashville, Dec. 16, 1864. 

David A. Farnum; 3rd I., Co. A. Nashville, Feb. 10, 1865. 

Albert Freeman; 5th I., Co. I. Macon, Ga., May 12, 1864. 

Wm. H. Fox; 7th C, Co, M. Winchester, Va., Sept. 20, 1864. 

John Frederick; 21st I., Co. E. Of wounds. 

John L. Free; lOlh C, Co. C. Knoxville, Tenn., July 19, 1865. 

Geo. W. Fay; 6th C, Co. H. Trevillion, Ky., June 11, 1864. 

Morris E. Fitch; 2d C, Co. F. Franklin. Tenn., March 25, 1863. 

Allen Ford; 21st I., Co. B. Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 30, 1863. 

Martin Greenman; 3d I., Co. K. Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 

Libeus P. Graves; 10th C, Co. E. Detroit, Aug., 1864. 

LaFayette Grain; 6th C, Co. M. City Point, Va., Aug. 12, 1864. 

Henry L. Gore; E. and M. Co. I. Bridgeport, Ala., March 17, 1864. 

Eugene GUlam; 3d I., Co. A. Knox, March 2.1, 1865. 

Geo. Girdler; 3d I., Co. B. Fair Oaks. 

Judson A. Gouldsberry; 21st I., Co. I. Goldsborough, N. C, March 26, 

1863. 
Henry Goble; 3d I., Co. E. Accident, Alexandria, Va., 1862. 
Morey Godfrey; 21st 1., Co. I. Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 12, 1863. 
Charles B. Gilman; 21st I., Co. H. Stone River, Jan. 1, 1863. 
John Gingery; 3d I., Co. D. Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dec. 15, 1864. 
James Gunigal; 5th I., Co. F. Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 27, 1865. 
Henry W. Griffin; 13th I., Co. D. Bentonville, March 19, 1865. 
Solon H. Garrett; 2d C, Co. C. Andersonville prison. May 20, 1864. 
Robert Giklen; E. & M., Co. A. Fayetteville, N. C, March 17, 1865. 
Warner Green; 2d C, Co. F. Nashvnie, Dec. 4, 1864. 
William Godfrey; Indiana R. Conimg home. 
Benj. F. Gitchill; 21st I., Co. G. Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 
August Gruths; 3d I., Co. B. Washington, Dec. 17, 1862. 
Isaac W. Godfroy. Killed by Indians, May 20, 1865. 
A. C. Godfroy; 26th I., Co. I. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 
Warren D. Godfroy; Nevada Cav. At home. 
WiiHam Green; 6th C, Co. B. Alexandria, Va., Aug. 12, 1863. 
Wm. P. Gold; 14th I., Co. F. Farmington, Miss., July 15, 1862. 
Joel W. Gardner; 5th I., Co. E. Washington, D. C, July 1, 1864. 
Geo. Harwick; 2d C, Co. G. Chattanooga. July 13, 1864. 
Elisba Helsel; 8th I., Co. D. Fredericksburg, Va., May 12, 1864. 
Henry H. Hickox; 2d C, Co. D. Evansville, Ind., Aug. 16, 1862. 
D. L. Hydan; 6th C, Co. A. Oct. 28, 1863. 
Martin House; 6th C, Co. M. Hawes' Shop; May 28, 1864. 
Cyrus Hoadley; E. & M., Co. K. Chattanooga, Feb. 29, 1864. 
Frank P. Hilderth; 4th C, Co. H. Danville, Ky., November 2, 1862. 
EH Hamblin; 3d L, Co. F. Washington, September 18, 1862. 
Lewis Hartman; 3d I., Co. C. Armory Hosp., October 21, 1862. 
Welcome E. Herrendon; 27th I., Co. D. Washington, June 15, 1864. 
Charles G. Hilton; 21st I., Co. B. Stone River, December 31, 1862. 
Estil W. Holt; 26th I., Co. I. Washington, June 17, 1864. 
Jared Harrington. Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. ' 



GEAXD EIVEE VALLEY. 317 

George Hilliard. 

James Hoose; 4th C, Co. H. Bowling Green, Ky., Januaiy 17, 1863. 

Francis I. Hartwell; 21st I., Co. H, Perryville, Ey., ApriU, 1862. 

Wm. Himmelberger; 1st C, Co. L. Sandy Hook, Md., Sept. 30, 1862, 

Clark Hall; 8th I., Co. D. Chantilly, September 1, 1862. 

Thomas Hollington; E. and M., Co. C. Corinth, Miss., May 25, 1862. 

Joseph E. Hooper; 2d C, Co. E. New Madrid, Deceinber 11, 1862. 

Jared V. Harrison; 3d T., Co. A. Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 

Americus Holden; 21st I., C^ H. At home, August 30, 1864, 

William Halsey; 3d I., Co. K. October 4, 1862. 

Abram V. Hawk; 21st I., Co. B. Lowell, Mich., January 31, 1865, 

John Harper; 21st I., Co. H. Washington, May 12, 1865. 

Harrison Harger; 4th C, Co. H. Sparta, Tenn., August 11, 1863. 

Wm. Harger; 4th C, Co. H. Sparta, Tenn. 

Wm. C. Harlan; 5th I., Co. F, July 12, 1863. 

Rufus A. Hilton; E. and M„ Co. D. Beardstown, Ey., Sept, 1, 1862. 

Henry Hardenburg; 3d I., Co. C. Eeoknk, Iowa, March 13, 1865. 

Wm. N. Hen-ington; 3d I., Co. B. April If, 1865. 

Daniel Hayes; 21st I., Co. H. Bentonville, N. C. March 19, 1865. 

Alpheus Holcomb; 21st I., Co. H. Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. 

Wan-en Heald; E. and M., Co. C. Ogeechee, Ga., December 7, 1864. 

AVashington Hohnes; E. aud M., Co. C. Portsmouth, May 19, 1865. 

Samuel Hughes; 6th C, Co. F. Andersonville Pris., July 21, 1864. 

Charles Helmer; 6th C, Co. M. Andersonville Pris., August 5, 1864, 

James HefFem; 21st I., Co. H, BowHng Green, Jan. 14, 1863, 

Ira Helsill; 21st L, Co, E, Murfreesboro, Tenn., May 10, 1863. 

John Hanna; 6th C, Co. A. Hanover, Va., May 8, 1864. 

Wm. Hamblin; 5th I., Co, F. June 18, 1864, 

John Hinkle; 3d I., Co. C. Nashville, July 5, 1865. 

Samuel Harrington; 16th I., Co. I. Washington, June 1, 1865. 

Judson W. Irons; 14th I., Co. F. Big Springs, Miss., July 3, 1862. 

Charles W. Irons; E. & M., Co. D. Nov. 16, 1862. 

Burden C. Irons; E. & M., Co. F. New York, May 16, 1865, 

Leander Jewell; 6th C, Co. A. Hanover, Va., May 28, 1864. 

John Jinks; 6th I., Co. B. New Orleans, Aug. 14, 1864. 

Richard Johnson; 3d I., Co. A. ChancellorsvOle, May 3, 1863 

Casper Jenner; 5th I., Co. I. Grand Rapids, May 27, 1865, 

Edward Johnson; 13th I., Co. A. Detroit, May 14, 1865. 

Guy Johnson; 21st I., Co. H. Lookout Mt., Aug. 19, 1864, 

Wm. W. Johnson, 6th C, Co. M. Washington, Oct. 11, 1864, 

Jasper Jacobs; 3d I., Co. F. Groveton, Aug. 29, 1862. 

Mark Johnson: 13th I., Co. A. David's Island, N. Y,, May 16, 1865, 

Harvey Johnson; ISih I., Co. C. Stone River. 

Jacob Eugers; 3d I., Co. F. Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864. 

Curtis L. Eeeny; 2d C. Co. F. St. Louis. 

Charles E. Eennedy; 26th I., Co. I. Farmville, Va., April 7, 1865. 

.lohnM. Enapp;21stl., Co. B. Bent, N. C, March 21, 1865. 

Hugh Eeai-ney; 5th I., Co. A, Detroit, April 6, 1865. 



r)18 MEMORIALS OF THE 

John Kennedy; 8tli I., Co. H. Petersburg, April 2, 1865. 

Fred. S. Kettle; 6th C, Co. B. Harper^s Fen-y, Jan. 3, 1865. 

Webster J. Kniffin; 3d I., Co. A. Camp S., Va., June 1, 1863. 

Henry F. Kimbert; 10th C, Co. F. Flat Creek, Tenn., Aug. 27, 1864. 

Andrew L Konkling; 6th C, Co. B. Oct. 26, 1862. 

John Kennedy; E. and M., Co, B. Accident, Fayetteville, N. C, March 

14, 1865. 
Wm. J. Knapp; 26th I., Co. I. Andersonville Pris., October 20, 18G4. 
Francis Kelly; 6th C, Co. A. Prisoner, 1863. 
John Lynch; 2d C, Co. F. Cleaveland, Tenn., April 2, 1864. 
Henry C. Lock; 21st I., Co. H. Nashville, December 7, 1862. 
Robert Lee; 3d L, Co. C. Sparta, Mich. 
Geo. R. Lyon; 21st I., Co. B. Louisville, November 30, 1862. 
Emstus R. Linsley; 21st I., Co. E. Louisville. October 30, 1862. 
Dennis Lynch; 14th L, Co. B. Nashville. October 28, 1862. 
Anson Lewis; 3d I.. Co. A. Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 
Joseph Lozo; 21st L, Co. B. . David's L, N. Y., May 17, 1865. 
Isaac Lovell, 25th L, Co. B. Alcantra, Ga., August 6, 1864. 
John LjTid; 16tli I., Co. E. Field, Va., June 4, 1865. 
.James Lind; 6th C, Co. H. Andersonville Pris., September 25, 1864. 
John B. Leach; 4th C, Co. H. Nashville, December 25. 1862. 
Charles H. Louder; 2d C, Co. E. Nashville, May 4, 1865. 
Abram A. Lawj^er; 21st I., Co. H. Stone River, December 31. 1862, 
Henry Lawyer; 3d L, Co. A. Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 
Robert H. Lamberton; 24th I., Co. L October 6, 1862. 
John Leclaire; 4th C, Co. H. 

Monroe Livington; 6th C. Co. F. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 
John Livingston; 6th C, Co. F. Fairfax, June 22, 1863, 
Thomas A. Martin. 

Neil McLean; 8d I. Nashville, February 27, 1865. 
Peter McLean; 6th C. Richmond, Va., May 28, 1864, 
D. McDerraott; 2oth L, Co L Hanover, Va., May 24, 1862. 
Orville Marsh; 7th C, Co. D. September 4, 1864. 
Charles B. Morey; 2d C, Co. H. In Michigan, May, 1864. 
James Matthews; 8th I., Co. D. In Michigan, February 4, 1864. 
Mortimer W. Mormon; 10th C, Co. A. Pt Isabel, Ky., March 22, 1864. 
Benj. F. Morey; l-S'th I., Co. C. Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 19, 1863. 
John Mead; E. & M., Co. D. Chattanooga, Feb. 21, 1864. 
James Mashkum; 1st Sharp Shooters, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 
Duncan McNaughton; 2d C, Co. E. N. Madrid, April 20, 1862. 
Jacob McFall; 6th C, Co, F. Berryville, Va., Sept. 5, 1864. 
Charles McCarty; 26th I., Co. I. Andersonville Prison, Aug. 18, 1864. 
William Murray; 26th I., Co. I. Deep Bottom, Va., July 27, 1864. 
Milton M. Merryfield; 21st I., Co. B. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Ivan McLain; 21st I., Co. E. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 
John W. Marvin; E. & M., Co. D. Nashville, Nov. 2, 1862. 
Charles Myers; E. & M., Co. C. Nashville, Oct. 12, 1862. 
,lohn Murony; 14th I., Co. F. Campbell, 0., May 19, 1862. 



OrvAKD MTER TAJ.LEV. 319 

Arthui' McDougal; 8th I., Co. H. Washington, Oct. 29, 1861, 

Michael McGrath; 3cl I., Co. D. Groveton, Aug. 29, 1862. 

Harvey H. Mead; 3d I., Co. K. Groveton. 

Joseph Morse; 2d C, Co. F. Nashville, Sept. 23, 1863. 

Homer H. Morgan: 3d I., Co. B. July 21, 1861. 

Jonas McFall; 16th I., Co. H. Washington, April ,30, 1865. 

Adam McGarvey; 3d I., Co. K. Ft. Lyon, Oct. 18, 1861. 

Horace McNitt; 4th C, Co. H. Nashville, Jan. 19, 1863. 

Joel McLenathan; .5th 1., Co. A. Detroit, Jan. 28, 1865. 

Lt. Thomas N. V. Mitchell; 14th C. Wounds. Murfreesboro, Dec, 1862. 

Oakland Merryheld. 

Samuel McMurray: 5th I., Co. E. Jan. 2, 1865. 

Geo. W. Miller; 3d I., Co. A. Fair Oaks, May 31. 1862. 

Berdan McCall; Sth I., Co. D. Petersburg, Jan. -30, 1865. 

David A. Marsh; 13th I., Co. E. Savannah, March 3, 1865. 

Henry I. Myers; 16th I., Co. B. Washington, June 9, 1865. 
Thomas C. McConnell; 10th C, Co. D. Knoxville, March 14, 1865. 
Samuel Montague; E. & M., Co. D. Washington, .July 8, 1865. 
John McHugh; 26th I., Co. I. New York, Aug. 15, 1863. 
Nathan E. Mallory; 21st 1., Co. F. Chattanooga, March 28, 1865. 
Charles F. Myers; 6t.h C, Co. H. Andersonville prison. July 25, 1864. 
James Misner; 6th C, Co. F. Andersonville prison, Aug. 17, 1864. 
Stewart J. McLane; 21st 1., Co. E. Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862. 
Finley McPhearson; Gih C, Co. F. Cumberland, Tenn., May 5, 1865, 
Allen Morse; 6th C, Co. M. Andersonville prison, Oct. 1, 1804. 
Robert W. Miller; 6th C, Co. E. Plainfield, Mich,, Jan. 20, 1865. 
Jacob Miers; 6th C, Co. M. Richmond, Aug. 1, 1864. 
John Moffit; 21st I.. Co. H. Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 3, 1863. 
Anthony D. Matthews; E. & M., Co. D. Murfreesboro, April 15, 1863. 
John M. Morris; 21st 1., Co. B. Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 29, 1862. 
Charles Miller; 3d 1., Co. B. Vu-ginia, March 18,'l863. 
Michael Murphy; 3d I., Co. B. Philadelphia, Feb. 1, 1863. 
David Munthorn; 6th C, Co. E. Campbell Hospital, 1863, 

0. Mayfield; 6th C, Co. B. FaUing Waters, July 14, 1863. 

1. McDonald: 6th C, Co. F. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 
Timothy J. Mosher; Washington, 1863. 

Alfred D. Moore; E. & M., Co. A. Chattanooga, April 19, 1864. 

Augustus Mauranski; 21st I., Co. B. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Walter Misner; 0th C, Co. F. Washington, Aug. 30, 1863. 

Alonzo R. Martin; 6th C, Co. B. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 

Abraham Miller. At home, of wounds. 

John Nellis; 6th C, Co. H. Nov. 18, 1864. 

David Noble; E. & M., Co. C. Tuscumbia, Ga., June 22, 1862. 

Flavius J. Neal; 6thC., Co.B. Fall. Wat., July 14, 1863. 

Otheviah F. Norman, 6th C, Co. M. Andersonville prison. Sept. 26, 1864. 

Merritt Newton; 13th I., Co. C. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Henry J. Nesbitt; 21st I., Co. H. Lookout Mt., Aug. 20, 1864. 

Wm. Newton; 5th 1., Co. A. Virginia, Oct. 27, 1864. 



320 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Miner S. Nicols; 21st I., Co. H. Murfreesboro, May 11, 1863. 
Ira A. Nash; 26th I., Co. I. Alexandria, Va., Jan. 25, 1863. 
James W. Newson; 21st 1., Co. E. Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 17, 1863. 
Samuel B. Osgood; 2d C, Co. D. Golconda, Sept. 13, 1862. 
Elon Oneans; 2d C, Co. E. New Albany, Sept. 30, 1863. 
John O'Brein: 14th I., Co. B. Nashville, Jan. 31, 1863. 
Charles E. Provin; E. & M., Co. B. Atlanta, Oct. 15, 1864. 
.John Potter; E. & M., Co. H. Tennessee, Jan. 29, 1864. 
^ Charles F. Page; 8th I., Co. I. Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 
Reuben Petty; 10th C, Co. A. Knoxville, April 27, 1864. 
Fred Porter; E. & M., Co. A. Chattanooga, March 3, 1864. 
Frederick Propardett; 3d I., Co. F. Philadelphia, Sept. 2, 1862. 
Francis Pelton; 6th C, Co. B. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 
JohnB. Pearsall; E. &M., Co. E. May 10, 1862. ■ 
James I. Provin; 6th C, Co. F. SraithBeld, Va., Feb. 5, 1864. 
Austin Pixley; 6th C, Co. A. Aqua Creek, Va., .June 15, 1861. 
Geo. W. Parker; 3d I., Co. F. Huntsville, Ala., Feb. 1, 1865. 
Henry Pool; 3d I., Co. A. Virginia, June 25, 1862. 
Geo. W. Pyle; 21st I., Co. B. Bentonville, March 13, 1865. 
.Jacob Plaster; 1st C, Co. L. Washington, Nov. 21, 1861. 
Aaron R. Piersons; 15th I., Co. E. Chattanooga, June 12, 1865. 
Wm. W. Potter; 21st 1., Co. E. Nashville, April 13, 1863. 
James B. Pierce; 3d I., Co. A. Gettysburg, July 2. 1863. 
Theodore F. Peterson; 3d I., Co. A. Philadelphia, April 22, 1863. 
Geo. F. Patten; Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 
Henry B. Potter; 6th C, Co. B. Falling Waters, July 12, 1863. 
Wm. Prindle; 5th I., Co. F. Florence, S. C, Nov. 11, 1864. 
Bennett Phillips; Washington, August 5, 1863. 
John Powley. 

Otis H. RusseU; E. & M., Co. D. Chattanooga, July 6, 1861. 
Purdy Ramslar; E. & M., Co. D. Chattanooga, June 19, 1864. 
Claries A. Russell; 10th C, Co. F. Flat Creek, Tenn., August 17, 1864 
Joel Rennells; 25th I., Co. B. Knoxville, July 8, 1864. 
Edwin Rathbun; 21st 1., Co. E. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Peter Rykert; E. and M., Co. K. Chattanooga, March 17, 1864. 
Lafayette Randall; 13th I., Co. C. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Charles H. Richmond; 8th I., Co. D. Washington, Sept. 1862. 
Charles L. Richards; 2ad C, Co. D. St. Louis, Jan. 30, 1862. 
Almeron D. Rathbun; 21st L, Co. L Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Geo. Robertson; E. and M., Co. D. Nashville, May 11, 1862. 
Oliver Rhodes; 8th I., Co. D. Chantilly, Sept. 1, 1862. 
Henry S. Reed; 2nd C, Co. E. Farmington, July 7, 1862. 
Edmond Riordan; 3rd L, Co. F. Groveton. 
Samuel L. Rice; 3rd I., Co. B. Fair Oaks. 
Isaac W. Roberts; 3rd 1., Co. F. Seven Pines, May 31, 1862. 
• James Robinson; 3rd C, Co. M. Lagrange, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1863. 
Ezra J. Rogers; 3rd I., Co. B. Murfreesboro, Dec. 28, 1865. 
Abram Roselj 6th C, Co. B. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. ^ 321 

Cady Rowly; E. and M., Co. K. Marshall, Midi., AprH 13, 1865. 

•Tacob Rectenwald; 4th C; Co. H. Nashville, Dec. 15, 1862. 

Luman 0. Reed; 14th I., Co. F. In the field, Georgia, July 5, 1864. 

Richards Rolands; 6th C, Co. M. Andersonville prison, April 16, 1864. 

Wm. R. Roswoll; 21st I., Co. H. Nashville, Jan. 13, 1883. 

Alfred A. Randall; 21st I., Co. H. NashvUle, Jan. 4. 1864. 

Abram Richniire; 21st I„ Co. E. New Albany, Dec. 22, 1862. 

Rennes Rogers; 6th C, Co. B. Falling Waters, of wounds, July 30, 1863. 

Francis D. Richardson; 6th C, Co. F. Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 

John Rexford; 21st I., Co. B. Nashvdle, Feb. 14, 1863. 

Luther Richards. 

Thomas C. Soules; E. & M.. Co. F. Bridgeport, Ala., June 24, 1864. 

Capt. Edgar W. Smith; 21st I., Co. D. Wounded at Chickamauga, Oct. 

15, 1863. 
Elislia Steele; 2d C, Co. C. Andersonville Prison. 
Erson H. Smith; Libby Prison, Sept. 12, 1863. 
H. Steneca; 7th C, Co. M. Washington, June 22, 1864. 
Thomas A. Sapwell; 1st Light Art. Rome, Ga., June 22, 1864. 
Hiram Sherman; 13th L, Co. C. Tuscumbia, Ala., June 16, 1862. 
Amos M. Smith; 26th L, Co. I. Washington, Oct. 10, 1864. 
Capt. James Sligh; Tallahoraa, Nov. 15, 1861. 

James H. Soules; 4th C, Co. H. Mitchellville, Tenn., Dec. 2, 1862. 
Geo. W. Spearback; 8th I., Co. D. Wilm. Is., April 16, 1862. 
William S. Simmons; 14th I., Co. F. Farmington, Miss., July 20, 1862- 
Frederick Shriver; 3d I., Co. B. Groveton, August 20, 1862. 
Geo. W. Story; 2d C, Co. E. New Madrid, March 24, 1862. 
Joseph T. Sliter; 6th C, Co. B. Falling Waters, July 14. 1863. 
James W. Sims; 14th I., Co. A. Frankhn, Tenn., Feb. 28, 1864. 
Eugene Smith, 3d I., Co. K. Fak Oaks. 
Charles D. Smith; 3d I., Co. A. Fab- Oaks. 
Morris Stevenson; 21st I., Co. I. Newbern, N. C, May 24, 1865. 
Harrison C. Soules; 3d I., Co. A. Annapolis, 1862. 
Ethan E. Squiers; 21st I., Co. F. Detroit, Feb. 3, 1865. 
Cyrus B. Steele; 16th I., Co. G. Washington, June 27, 1865. 
Wm. F. Schenk; 2d C, Co. E. St. Louis, Dec. 11, 1862. 
Geo. H. Sliter; 21st I., Co. H. Dansville Prison, April 1864. 
Thomas Stanton; 3d I., Co. D. Nashville, June 29. 1865. 
Frank Shoff; 3d I., Co. F. Nashville, April 11, 1865. 
Willson B. Seymour; 7th C, Co. B. Dacotah T., Sept. 3, 1865, 
Chauncey Smith; 5th I., Co. F. Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 22, 1864. 
Wm. Shoemaker; 5th I., Co. I. Petersburg, June 18, 1864. 
Geo. W. Smith; 3d I., Co. C. Nashville, July 5, 1865. 
Henry Strong; 3d I., Co. C. Nashville, April 8, 1865. 
Dennis Scagel; 16th I., Co. B. Gravelly Run, Va., March 31, 1865. 
Reuben F. Stanley; 14th I., Co. E. Nashville, Jan. 13, 1865. 
Alfred E. Smith; 26th I., Co. I. Washington, Feb. 10, 1865, 
Denton Smith; 16th I., Co. A. Washington, June 6, 1863. 
Richard SterUng; 1st C. Nov. 1, 1864. 
21 



323 MEMOllIALS OF THE 

James H. Soules; 4th C, Co. H. MitchoUville, Tenn., Dec. 1, 1862. 

.James Sears; 6th C, Co. H. Pomt of Rocks, Aug. 23, 1865. 

Wm. F. Sibley; 21st L, Co. B. Lookout Mt., Nov. 1, 1864. 

Horac3 B. Smoke; 6th C, Co. H. Andersonville prison, Aug. 15, 1864. 

Daniel Smith; 6th C, Co. F. Richmond, Jan. 15, 1864. 

Alire.l Shirk; 2d C, Co. B. New Albany, Sept. 15, 1863. 

Wm. I. Slayton; 25th I., Co. B. Louisville, July 22, 1863. 

Sacob Stark; 6th C, Co. M. Grand Rapids, Nov. 28, 1862. 

Lyman D. Stilwell; 4th C, Co. M. Andevsom-ille prison, May 2, 1864. 

Wm. Smithr E. & M., Co. D. Nashville, Jan. 22, 1863. 

John H. Stewart; 21st I., Co. E. Bowling- Green, Nov. 25, 1862. 

John Smalley; 21st L, Co. F. Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 17, 1863. 

Robert Sleigh; Gettysburg, Jnly 2, 1863. 

Comelius Spaulding; 6th C, Co. H. Washington, Jan. 19, 1863. 

Seth Streeter; 6th C, Co. H. Washington, Aug. 2. 

Warren V. Soules; 4th C, Co. H. Murfreesboro, Tenn., May 1, 1863. 

Samuel C. Squiers; 21st I., Co. H. Murireesboro, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1864. 

Lucas M. Smith; 1st Ind. Co. Detroit, Oct. 1, 1864. 

Major Slater; E. & M., Co. C. Cha.ttanooga, July 24, 1864. 

James R. Treadway; 14th I., Co. F. Field, Ga., July 5, 1864. 

Dwight Towsley; 5th L, Co. F. Of wounds, July 1, 1864. ■ 

Allen Thayer; 3d I., Co. F. Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864. 

L. C. Truax; 6th C, Co. M. City Point. Va., Aug. 12, 1864. 

Almon H. Tubbs; od C, Co. K. Oxford, Miss., Dec. 10, 1862. 

Geo. Tresclt; 21st I., Co. G. Louisville, Dec, 1862. 

Samuel D. Tole; 26th I., Co. I. Deep Bottom, Aug. 16, 1864. 

James A. Tabor; 5th I., Co. E. Washington, April 18, 1865. 

Henry H.Thurston; 1st Lt. Art., Co. E. Drowned, May 2, 1865. 

Matthew Tancred; 14th L, Co. K. Andersonville prison. May 25, 1864. 

Lorenzo D. Tubbs; 13th I., Co. G. Bentonville, March 19, 1865. 

George Tower; 13th L, Co. C. Stone River, December 31, 1863. 

Henry C. Tower; 13th I., Co. C. Chickamauga, September 19, 1863. 

Orange Taylor; 8th I., Co. D. Washington, 1863. 

John W. Tyler; 6th C, Co. A. Fairfax, May 6, 1863. 

Wm. D. Upson; E. and M. Nashville. March 4, 1865. 

Benj. Van Norman; 10th C, Co. A. Greenville, Tenn., August 24, 1864. 

James Van Dusen; 2dC., Co. D. St. Louis, December 5, 1862. 

Comelius Vanlieu; 6th C, Co. F. Andersonville Pris., July 14, 1864. 

E. Vandecan; 26th L. Co. I. Washington, June 4, 1864. 

Chester Vincent; 21st I., Co. I. Bowling Green, November 16, 1862. 

Phililp Van Dusen; 3d I., Co. D. Groveton, August 29, 1862. 

George Van Wie; 3d C, Co. L. Jackson, Tenn., April 25, 1863. 

Hogan Van Etten; 3d I., Co. B. Gulf of Mexico, November 13, 1865. 

James Van Dusen; 16th I., Co. F. Cominghome, February 27, 1865. 

Van Buren Van Etten; 4th C, Co. H. Tennessee, December 28, 1862. 

Abram Wolf; E. and M., Co. D. Chattanooga, April 24, 1864. 

Seldon Wood; E. and M., Co. D. Chattanooga. November 5, 1863. 

James C. Wallace; E. and M., Co. A. Cartersville, Ga., July 13, 1864. 



J 



GEAKD RIVER VALLEY. '^2i 

Nathan Wilkes; 2d C, Co. C. New Alljany, (suicide). Sept. 30, 18G4. 

Charles Wegal; 4th C, Co. H. Nashville, Deceniber 24, 1862 

Henry White; 2d C, Co. D. Farmington. Miss., July 15„1862. 

Henry G. Watson; 2d C, Co. E. Chap. Hill, October 8, 1862. 

Joel Wolcott; 2Gth I., Co. T. Washing-ton, May 24, 1864. 

Willard Washburne; M I., Co. F. C4roveton, August 29, 1862. 

Lawrences. Wolcott; 13th I., Co. C. Stone River, January 2, 1863. 

John H. Wood; 6th C, Co. A. Fairfax, April 25, 1863, 

Darwin D. Weeks; 13tli I.. Co. C. Nashville, November 19, 1862. 

John White; 21st I., Co. B. Danville, Fy., October 31, 1862. 

Wm. Wright; 3d I., Co. A. Washington, May 12, 1862. 

Henry Ward; 3d I., Co. A. Fair Oaks. 

Alonzo Worden; 21st I., Co. H. Savannah, Dec. 20, 1864. 

Norman G. White; 3d I., Co. D. Fair Oaks. 

W^ilber Wait; 3d I., Co. F. June 12, 1862. 

Thomas AVliitfield; 16th I., Co. H. Baltimore, Dec. 18, 1864. 

John Wirtz; E. &M., Co. B. Louisville, Dec. 12, 1864. 

Geo. W. Wilhams; 6th C, Co. A. Winchester, Va., Jan. 8, 1865. 

Wm. Wood; E. & M., Co. D. N. Y. Harbor, April 23, 1865. 

Henry Wait; E. & M., Co. L. Sultana, April 27, 1865. 

Geo. C. Williams; E. & M., Co. C. Town Creek, Ga.. Dae. 7, 1864. 

Solomon M. Whitney; 21st I., Co. F. Chattanooga, Sept. 22, 1863. 

Samuel White, Jr., 10th C, Co. D. Knoxville, May 26, 1865. 

Reuben Walters; 6th C, Co. H. Richmond, Dec. 25, 1864. 

Wm. G. Whitwoith; 6th C, Co. A. Andersonville Prison,Sept. 20, 1864. 

Daniel M. Williams; E. & M., Co. H. Nashville, Jan. 27, 1863. 

Andrew C. Wright; E. & M., Co. C. Richmond, June 28, 1863. 

Geo. D. Walker; E. & M., Co. F. Nashville, Feb. 23, 1863. 

Stephen Waters; 8th I.. Co. D. Petersburg, July 1, 1864. 

Daniel S. Warren; 21st I., Co. H. Bowling Green, Dec. 5, 1862. 

AlbernO. Woodward; 21st I., Co. G. Louisville, Dec. 28, 1862. 

Jackson Wood; 21st I., Co. E. In Michigan camp. Mai-ch 28, 1863. 

James F. Wilson; 21st I., Co. E. Bowling Green, December 19, 1882 

James W. Washburne; 21st I., Co. I. Chattanooga, Nov. 9, 1863. 

Nathaniel N. Williams; 21st I., Co. E. Nashville, Jan. 15, 1863. 

John West: 3d L, Co. D. Camp Pitcher, Va., March 10, 1863. 

John Webster; 3d I., Co. E. Camp Sickles, Va., April 6th, 1863. 

Julius M. Wright; 4th C, Co. H. Annapolis, Md., March 20,^863. 

Milo Willard; 21st I., Co. H. Danville, Ky., (a prisoner). 

Wm. H. Worden; 3d C, Co. E. New Albany, Miss., Oct. 5, 1863. 

Geo. W. White; 21st I., Co. B. Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864. 

Jasper I. Younger; 2d C, Co. E. Benton Barracks, Dec. 12, 1862. 

Franklin E. Youngs; 2d C, Co. E. St. Louis, July 20, 1862. 

Major Silas A. Yerkes; 13ta I. Oct. 26, 1865. 

OTTAWA COrXTY. 

Emerson M. Averill; 2d C, Co. A. 

Chester W. Adams; 3d I., Co. B. Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 



}24 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

Justin Alden; 3d C, Co. D. Perry ville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862. 

Elias C. Argill; 10th C, Co. C. Knox, Tenn., May 10, 1865. 

Oliver Ackley; 12th C, Co. C. Knox., April 10, 1865. 

Geo. W. Allyn; 25th I., Co. I. Bowling Green, Feb. 25,1863. 

Arza Bartholomew; 21st I., Co. G. Murfreesboro, May 8, 1863, 

Joel A. Buriiham; 3d I., Co. A. Murfreesboro, March 7, 1865. 

William Brodt; 21st I., Co. G. Suicide, Tenn., Nov. 19, 1865. 

Wm. H. Bartholomew; 21st T., Co. G. At.home, March 1, 1865. 

.John Boozer; 21st I., Co. E. Bentonvllle, N. C, March 19, 1865. 

Peter Boies; 2d C, Co. D. St. Louis, AprU 10, 1862. 

Otto Boot; 25th I., Co. I. By guerrillas, Nov. 28, 1864. 

Justm A. Balcolm; 21st I., Co. G. Nash., Oct. 31, 1863. 

Francis E. Brooks; 10th C, Co. D. Burnside Pt., Ky., Feb. 28, 1864. 

Silas E. Benham; 21st I., Co. G. Louisville, Dec. 8, 1862. 

Job Brockman; 13th L, Co. D. Beardstown, Ky., April 12, 1862. 

Joseph Brown; 3d I., Co. I. Groveton. 

Harlow P. Biitton; 10th C, Co- C. Knox., June 18, 1865. 

John H. Bender; 3d I., Co. L Harrison's Landing, May 19, 1862. 

Abijah Brett; 21st I., Co. E. Murfreesboro, July 15, 1863. 

John Barnhill; 21st I. Co. E. 

Lewis Borman; 6th C, Co. B. Battle Mt., July 24, 1863. 

Simeon L. Brink; 5th C, Co. B. Of wounds, Oct. 19, 1863. 

Henry 0. Brittain; 21st 1., Co. G. Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 

Joseph B. Cady; 21st I., Co. G. David's I., N. Y., June 28, 1865. 

Francis W. Cole; 21st I., Co. G. Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 

Charles Carroll; 5th I., Co. E. Of wounds, Sept. 12, 1864. 

George A. Chamberlain; 8th I., Co. D. Fredericksburg, V^a., May 12, 1864. 

James Chatfield; 2d C, Co. D. Nashville, December 9, 1863. 

Charles W. Coan; 2d C, Co. D. Chap. Hill, October 9, 1862. 

1. H. Ci-ofoot; 25th I., Co. I. Nashville, June 26, 1864. 

Solomon Cronkite; 21st I., Co. E. Louisville November 15, 1862. 

Martin Clapper; 3d I., Co. I. Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862. , 

George Chrysler; od I., Co. I. Groveton. 

Aaron P. Camp; 3d I., Co. L May 12, 1862. 

Isaiah Crofoot; 21st I., Co. I. Bowling Green, May 10, 1863. 

John S. Corless; 2d C, Co. C. Steamboat Sultana, April 27, 1865. 

Andrew B. Coon; 2d C, Co. B. Cahaba, Ala., March 25, 1865. 

Alfred Collar; E. and M., Co. A. Savannah, December 24, 1864. 

Wm. J. Coble; 3d L, Co. I. Philadelphia, September 16, 1863. 

Charles H. Cranmer; 21st 1., Co. E. Goldsburgh, March 27, 1865. 

Peter Caston; 5th C, Co. M. Berryville, Va., August 19, 1864. 

Charles Dean; 10th C, Co. K. Camp Nelson, Ky., February 21, 1864. 

Albert De Groot; 2d C, Co. D. Andersonville Pris., May 24, 1864. 

Garrett De Mez; 1st Sharp Shooters, Co. F. Of wounds. May 18, 1864. 

VJeo. A. Dudley. Beaufort, S. C, July 6, 1864. 

Thomas Donahue; 3d I., Co. A. Philadelphia, of wounds. 

John W. De Young; 8th I., Co. D. Annapolis. 

James P. Dennis; E. and M., Co. A. Newborn, N. C, March 15, 1865. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 325 

Sylvanus H. Dow; E. and M., Co. T. Moreland, N. C, April 18, 1865. 
Peter Decoyer; E. and M.. Co. D. Bent., N. C, March 21, 1805. 
Wm. Deming; 7th I., Co. I. Beverly Hosp., N. J., October 5, 1864. 
Isaac Duvernay; .5th I., Co. I. Salis., N. C, February 18, 1865. 
Simon De Groot; 8th I., Co. D. Milldale, Miss.. July 25, 1863. 
Gundar L. Edwards; 9th I., Co. H. West Pt., Ky. 
Robert Evans; 7th I., Co. H. WestPt.,Ky. 
Nathan Ellis; 10th C, Co. C. Knoxville, April 1-5, 1865. 
Harry J. Esget; 2d C, Co. G. Thompson's Station, March 4, 1863. 
Alfred L. Frazier; E. & M., Co. A. Goldsboro, N. C, March 29, 1865. 
Birkley Felton; 1st Light Art., Co. E. Nashville, June 9, 1864, 
John Finch; 3d I., Co. I. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 
Myi-on Fuller; 21st I., Co. I. Georgia, Feb. 20, 1865. 
Franklin H. Garrison; 21st I., Co G. Newbern, N. C, May 1, 1865. 
James Gray; 3d I., Co. A. Nashville, June 22, 1865. - 
Frederick Griswold; 14th I., Co. F. Franklin, Tenn., Dec. 11, 1863. 
G. N. Gates; 7th C, Co. L. Washington, Nov. 23, 1863. 
James Grotenhuis; 8th I., Co. D. Fredericksburg, Va., May 12, 1864. 
Charles F. Gardner; E. & M., Co. I. Bridgeport, Ala., April, 1864. 
August GottschUng; 21st I., Co. G. Bentonville, N. C, March 19. 1864. 
Eben G. Gale; 2d C, Co. D. Home, Sept. 19, 1862. 
Luther H. Griswold; 21st L, Co. G. Nashville, Dec. 15, 1862. 
David Gitchill; 3d L, Co. I. July 12, 1861. 
Lewis Getz; 12th L, Co. I. Memphis, Sept. 13, 1863. 
Valentine GHbes; E. & M., Co. I. Bridgeport, Ala.. March 31, 1864. 
Perry D. Griswold; 1st Sharp Shooters, Co. E. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 
Gilbert S. Havens; 21st L, Co. B. New York, Feb 2, 1865. 
Nathan Halloway; 3d L, Co. B. Wildnernass, May 6, 1864. 
Wm. H. Hilderth; 10th C, Co. C. Burnside, Pt., June 24, 1864 
Lewis Hervey; E. & M., Co. D. Massac Creek, August 29, 1862. 
Silas 0. Hedges; 10th C, Co. C. Chattanooga, August 9, 1865. 
, George Hammer; 10th C, Co. C. Somerset, Ky., March 10, 1865. 
James Hayes; 21st L, Co. G. Jeffersonville, Ind., Feb. 23, 1865. 
Sylvanus S. Harmon; 25th L, C. 1. Bowling Green, March 24, 1863. 
Roswell Harris; 21st I., Co. E. Nashville, Feb. 14, 1863. 
Edwin E. Hnrlburt; 3dL, Co. K. Washington, Jan. 20, 1863. 
Abram Haskins; 3d I., Co. B. Nashville, Feb. 13, 1865. 
Ostin Johnson; 21st L, Co. H. Michigan, Feb. 17, 1865. 
A. Jonker; 25th L, Co. L Atlanta, Aug. 7, 1864. 
Wm. S. Jackson; 2d C, Co. D. 

M. Janson; 25th L; Co. I. Knoxville, March, 23, 1864. 
Henry Jessup; 21st L, Co. G. Murfreesboro, April, 16, 1863. 
John Krey; 21st L, Co. E. Accident, July 8, 1883. 
Thomas Kraai; 3d I., Co. D. Washington, Aug., 1864. 
Ralph Kugers; 3d L, Co. F. Spottsylvania, May 6, 1864. 
John W. Kellogg; 3d L, Co. L Nov. 20, 1861. 
Wm. H. Kirkland; 3d L, Co. L June 7, 1862. 
Richard D. Koon; 8th C, Co. M. Nashville, Jan. 23, 1865. 



o2G MEMORIALS OF TUE 

Alpheus C. Kerof'fc; ocll., Co. F. Murfreesboro, Dec. 1, 1864. 

John Kaiuhout; 1st Lt. Art., Co. B. Cheraw, S. C, March 6, 18G5. 

Dirk Keppel. Wilmington Is., April 16, 1862. 

Enos Lespcrance; 2cl. C, Co. D. NashviUe, Feb. 25, 1863. 

Nathaniel Luther; 1st C, Co. C. Camp Nelson, Ky., Dec. 29, 1863. 

Almon Landon: 2cl C, Co. D. Hamburg, Tenn., May 30, 1862. 

Mark Losee; 2cl C, Co. D. Nashville, Dec. 8, 1862. 

Wm. Lodebear; 25t.h T., Co. I. Bowlmg Green, May 12, 1863. 

Albert H. Lawton; 21st 1., Co. G. Nashville. Dec, 1862. 

David Mead; 21st 1., Co. G. Chattanooga, March 11, 1864. 

Warren Maxiield; 5th C, Co. B. Washington, Nov. 5, 1863. 

Henry Mappen; 8th I., Co. D. Mech., Va., May 31, 1864. 

Luther L. Moody; 10th C, Co. C. C:tmp Nelson, Ky., Jan. 26, 1864. 

Charles A. Morgan; 3d I., Co. I. Groveton, Aug. 20, 1862. 

Mariin Mokma; 8th I., Co. D. Chantilly, Sept. 1, 1862. 

Franklin Marsak; 2d C, Co. E. Evansville, Ang. 15, 1862. 

John Mclntyre; 5th C, Co. B. , Brandy Station, Oct. 12, 1863. 

Darius A. Markham; 9th C ., Co, B. Andersonvdle prison, July, 1864. 

James McDermott; 14th I., Co. C. Camp Dennison, 0., May 15, 1865. 

Daniel C. Marsac; 2d C, Co. C. Nashville, Jan. 18, 1865, 

Enos Malcomb; 21st I,, Co. G. Murfreesboro, Jan. 31, 1863, 

Antoon Meydam; 21st I., Co. C. Nashi-ille, Jan. 29, 1863. 

Charles Montague; 5th I., Co. A. Richmond, April 25, 1865. 

Moses F. Monroe; 5th I., Co. E. Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865. 

Wm. R. Nelson; 102d Col'd, Co. D. Orangeburg, S. C, June 30, 1865. 

Hendricus Nyland; 8th I., Co. D. Anderson ville prison, Aug. 8, 1864, 

Harvey Olmsted; 2d C, Co. C. Severnville, Tenn., Jan. 27, 1864. 

Noah Perkins; E. & M., Co. D. Lou., March 15, 1862, 

Walter C. Palmer; 15th L, Co. C. Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

PeterE. Peiffer;3dl., Co. 1. Sept. 5, 1861. 

Isaac Polton; 26th I., Co. B. Reams' Station, Va., Aug. 25, 1864. 

Charles M. Prmdle; E. & M., Co. 1. Wilmington, N. C, March 16, 186' 

Fayette Porter; 9th I., Co. H. W. Point, Ky. 

Wm. Perry; 5th C, Co. B. Washington, June 15, 1864. 

George Phitte; 10th C, Co. A. Knoxville, Sept. 1, 1864. 

Samuel S. Phillips; 3d I., Co. I. Georgetovrn, Sept. 5, 1861. 

Rence P. Polsraer; 8th I., Co. D. 1863. 

AVilliam Roon; 9th C, Co. C. Knoxville, April 3, 1864. 

Daniel H. Rose; 10th C, Co. K. 

Lewis A. Rich; E. & M., Co. H. Carterville, Aug. 16, 1864. 

.lohn Rechburg; 3d I., Co. B. Groveton, Aug. 29, 1862. 

Arie Rot; 25th I., Co. I. Lou., Nov. 22, 1862. 

Cyrus R. Reynolds; 2d C, Co. E. Chapel Hill, Oct. 8, 1862, 

James P. Row^land; 1st Lt. Art., Co. D. Murfreesboro, Jan. 20, 1865. 

Charles C. Randall; 3d I., Co. B. Harper's Landing, Aug. 3, 1862. 

Lewis I. Rogers; E & M., Co. I. Savanna, Jan. 10, 1865. 

Walter T. Rice; 21st I., Co. G. Lou., Jan. 4, 1863, 

Eldert Reenders; 21st I., Co. G, Nashville. 1863. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 327 

Richard Robinson; 21st I., Co.G. 
John Rowlings; 3cl I., Co. E. Nashville, June 1, 18G5. 
Louis L. Reed; 9th I., Co. H. Murfreesboro, 1862. 
Wm. T. Smith; 5th C, Co. G. Sails., N. C, Oct. 28, 1864. 
(tco. S. Sears; 3d I., Co. C. Nashville, April 8, 1865. 
Elmer Spencer; 2d C, Co. D. New Madrid, April 22, 1862. 
Henry Shannon; 21st I., Co. G. At home, March 5, 1865. 
AVm. S. Sampson; 21st I., Co. D. Savanna, Jan. 26, 1865. 
Albert Simmons; 17th I., Co. B. AndersonviUe prison, Aug. 22, 1864. 
Elijah Sweatland; 1st Ind. Co. Detroit, Oct. 7, 1864. 
Jehiel Scales; 21st I., Co. C. Chattanooga, March 2, 1864. 
Timothy Sweet; 21st I., Co. B. Louisville. 
Nelson J. Saddler; 14th L, Co. F. Detroit, July 7, 1864. 
^¥.m. Schilling; 2d C, Co. D. Nashville, Nov. 13, 1863. 
, Jerry Sullivan; 3d L, Co. C. Mine Run, Nov. 30, 1863. 
Eli W. Syers; 10th C, Co. C. Knoxville, June 21, 1864. 
Louis Sharatts; E. & M., Co. K. Ringold, Ga., July 19, 1864. 
Eleazur Smith; 1st Lt. Art., Co. K. Lookout Mt., Aug. 1. 1864. 
(ieorge Spencer; 3d I., C. L Sept. 10, 1862. 
Jacob Stansbury; 2d C, Co. D. St. Louis, April 8, 1862. 
Joshua Stoddard; 21st L, Co. G. Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Sylvester Smith; 1st Sharp-shooters, Co. A. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 
Eli J. Swere; 21st L, Co. E. Lou., Nov. 18, 1862. 
WilUani Scott; 9th L, Co. E. Chattanooga, March 14, 1865. 
James Scott; Quarter Master. Accidental. 
Zenas Sweet; 21st I., Co. G. Nashville, January 30, 186:3. 
Jacob Scheppers; 13th I., Co. D. Nashville, November 21, 1862. 
Wm. Smith; 3d L, Co. I. Har. Land., July 17, 1862. 
Stephen Scales; 3d I., Co. I, April 3l>, 1862. 
.lack Somerville; 102d Colored Troops, Co. I. April 30, 1862. 
Wm. Skeels; E. and M., Co. H. Newbern, N. C, April 15, 1865. 
Alonzo D. Smith; 7th C, Co. A. Jefferson Barracks, June 2, 1865. 
Geo. W. Smith; 2d C, Co. D. Franklin, Tenn., June 4, 1863. 
Peter Ver Shure; 25th I., Co. L Tebb's Bend, Ky., July 4, 1863. 
Stephen Smith; 5th C, Co. B. Brandy Station, October 12, 1863. 
Reuben Toogood; 21st L, Co.G. Nashville, January, 1863. 
Calvin Tillotson; E. and M., Co. K. Chattanooga, June 11, 1864. 
Robert F. Thompson; 25th I., Co. I. Holland, Mich., October 3, 1864. 
Frank Tate; 3d I., Co. I. Washington, September 1, 1862. 
Wm. Tate; 3d L, Co. L Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 
Owen Trumbull; 3d I., Co. 1. May 18, 1862. 
Nathan R. Tompkins; 1st Sharp Shooters, AndersonviUe Pris., May 24, 

1864. 
Wm. J. Tuffs; 6th C, Co. B. At home, May 22, 1865. 
•John M. Taylor; 3d L, Co. L Camp Bullock, Va., March 25, 1864. 
Coruelius Van Dam; 25th I., Co. I. Resaca, Ga., August 14, 1864. 
Benj. Vanhaltren: 2d C, Co. D. Lou . Nov. 17, 1862. 
AVulf Van Appl"doin; 25th I., Co. 1. Knoxville, Nov. 2, 1863. 



328 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Walter VannU; 8tli 1.. Co. E. Wasliingtoii, July 23, 1864. 
Adrianus Vandertank; 8th I., Co. D. Wilmington T., Ga. April 16, 1862. 
John Vanderbury; 1st Sharp Shooters. Danvillle, Va. 
. Gilbert Vanderhoof; 3d I., Co. I. Nashville, June 7, 1865. 
Orrin Whitcomb; 14th I., Co. F. Nashville, March 15, 186't. 
Capt. Benj. K. Weatherwax. Killed at Walanga Bridge, Term., April25, 

1864. 
Stephen B. Walker; 8th I., Co. D. Middletown, November 2, 1862. 
Edward Watson; od I., Co. I. September 1861. 

AVm. F. Wells; E. and M., Co. K. Jeffersonvile, Ind., December 2. 1864. 
Robert Watson; 10th C, Co. D. Germantown, N. C, April 10, 1865. 
Charles Whitehead; 3d I., Co. F. Nashville, April 11, 1865. 
Walter Waine; 13th I., Co. I. Stone River, December 31, 1863. 
Daniel A. Young; 28th I., Co. C. Lincolnton, N. C, August 4, 1865. 
Alonzo D. Yeomans; 10th C, Co. C. Knoxville, November 3, 1864. 
Henry Zwol; 21stl., Co. G. Nashville, January 3, 1864. 

aiUSKEGON COUNTY. 

Andrew Allen; 2d C, Co. E. Rienzi, Aug. 18, 1862. 

Lewis Brandis; 5th I., Co. A. June 22, 1864. 

Geo. M. Belden; 26th I., Co. C. Salisbury, Feb. 1, 1865. 

Lewellen Brewer; 10th C, Co. A. Somerset, Ky., Feb. 8, 1864. 

Fithil Bail; 5th I., Co. I. Washington, May 17, 1864. 

Lamson J. Bonner; 3d I., C. F. Wilderness. May 6, 1864. 

Martin Biber; 3d I., Co. H. Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 

Joseph Belden; 26th I., Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

Edwin Barr; 26th I., Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

Geo. W. Barr; 25th I., Co. C. In Canada. 

Peter G. Arclier; 3d I., Co. H. Groveton. 

Fithil Barl; 3d I., Co. C. Wilderness. 

Charles F. Brittain; 3d 1., Co. H. Yorktown, Aug. 14. 1862. 

Geo. A. Bennett; 3d I., Co. H. Frederick, Md., Aug. 10, 1863. 

Francis M. Bunce; 9th I., Co. B. Nashville, July 26, 1865. 

James S. Cooper; 26th I., Co. C. Salisbury, N. C, Nov. 10, 1864. 

Lorenzo W. Cook; 1st Lt. Art., Co. K. Chattanooga. 

John Colby; 9th I., Co. B. Nashville, April 8, 1865. 

Alonzo Corbin; 21st I., Co. H. New York, March 12, 1864. 

Leonard Deitrich; 5th I., Co. I. June, 1864. 

Heman Deitrich; 3d I., Co. I. Of wounds, June 2, 1862. 

Joseph Dohm: 14th I., Co. E. 2d Div. Hospital, Nov. 24, 1864. 

Abraham Decker; 3d I., Co. B. Victoria, Tex., Aug. 24, 1865. 

.John Eddie; 5th I.. Co. I. Washii gtm, May 12, 1864. 

Fernando F. Fulford; 3d I., Co. H. Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 

Benj. Fetteriy; 15th I., Co. F. Atlanta, Aug. 5, 1864. 

Adolph Friday; 5th C, Co. F. Yellow Tavern. Va., May 11, 1834. 

\Vm. Furgerson; 3d 1., Co. H. Washington, Sept. 30, 1862. 

Benj. Forbear; 26th I.. Co. C. Yorktown, March 21, 1863. 

George Gamer; 3d 1., Co. H. Fair Oaks. 

Johannes Gabrielson; 5th C, Co. F. Richmond, April 6, 1864. 



GRAND EIVER VALI-Er. 329 

John George; 3cl I., Co. H. Groveton, August 29, 1862. 

Francis Geager; 26th I., Co. C. Washington, July 6, 1864. 

Malcom I. GiUis; 3d I., Co. H. Georgetown, August, 1861. 

George Hilton; 2d C, Co. E. St. Louis, June 22, 1862. 

Chauncey Hayes; 6tli C, Co. H. Andersonville Prison, June 29, 1864. 

Samuel Hall; 26th I., Co. G. Spottsylvania, May 12. 1864. 

Samuel Hamblen; 3d I., Co. F. Spottsylvania, May 6. 1864. 

Vandalin Hoag; 2d C, Co. E. Rienzi, August 5, 1862. 

CorneliLis N. Johnson; 3d I., Co. C. Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1865. 

Laurens Jenson; 5th C, Co. F. Richmond, Va., April 6, 1864. 

Geo. W. Johnson; 21st I., Co. H. Dansville, Va., (in prison), Jan., 1864. 

John Knoll; 26th I., Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

Adam Kolbe; 3d I., Co. C. Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 

Marion C. Knight; 26th I., Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

Wm. W. McKerraan; 3d L, Co. H. Washington, July 6, 1862. 

James McKey; 9fch L, Co. H. In Camp, Ohio, August 28, 1862. 

Henry Koon; 14th L, Co. F. Ypsilanti. Sept. 10, 1862. 

Charles Klunder, Jr.; 5th C, Co. F. Winchester, Sept. 21, 1864. 

Yans Kenudson; 3d I., Co. H. In Camp, Mech., Va., Jan. 80, 1862. 

Martin Larson; 3d C, Co. H. Duvall's Bluff, Sept. 8, 1864. 

John Lee; 26th I., Co. C. Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 18, 1865. 

Fdwin H. Lauback; 2d C, Co. E. Booneville, July 12, 1862. 

Elijah W. Loomis; lOfch C, Co. A. Somerset, Ky., March 6, 1864. 

James Lavelle; 3d I., Co. H. Fair Oaks. 

James Lee; 2d C, Co. E. June 19, 1862. 

Wm. M. Miller; 26th I., Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

E. R. Morrison; 6th C, Co. C. Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 

Francis 0. Mennott; 26th I., Co. C. Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, 1864 

Wm. Milne; 3d I., Co. H. Washington, Nov., 1862. 

Ira S. Mead; 2d I., Co. H. Of wounds, received June 18, 1866. 

Charles Matham; 2d C, Co. E. NashviUe, May, 1864. 

Lawence Millett; 2d C. Co. E. Rienzi, July 5, 1862. 

John McGuire; 5th C, Co. F. Dinwiddle, Va., April 8, 1865. 

Wm. McGinnis; 28th I., Co. C. Alexandria., Va., Feb. 24, 1863. 

.rohn McPherson; 21st I., Co. H. Bent., N. C, March 19, 1865. 

Christopher Martin; 26th I., Co. C. Nov. 19, 1864. 

Abraham Napes; 2d C, Co. E. St. Louis, March 31, 1862. 

Ira Nash; 26th I., Co. I., Alexandria, Va., Jan 25, 1863. 

Thomas O'Hearn; 5th I., Co. E. June 16, 1864. 

Marquis W. Orton, 14th I., Co. F. June 9, 1882. 

Nelson Oleson; 2nd C, Co. E. June, 1864. 

James O'Niel; 3rd I., Co. H. Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Oliver E. Perry; 1st Sharp Shooters, Co. B., July 25, 1864. 

Peter Ryan; 2nd C, Co. E. St. Louis, Feb. 6, 1862. 

Geo. Read; 10th C, Co. H. Knoxville, April 29, 1864. 

James Root; 2d C, Co. E. Hamburg, Tenn., May 26, 1862. 

Geo. Root; 3rd I., Co. H. Alexandria, Va., Dec. 20, 1861. 

Ole Swinson; 21st I., Co. B. Lookout Mountain, Oct., 1864. 



830 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Simeon Sickman; 5th C, Co. F. Washingion, Nov. 1, 1863. 

A. W. Speny; 26tli I, Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1264. 

Nelson W. Shepard; 26th I., Co. C. Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 18, 1864. 

John Sweeney; 3d. I., Co H. Fah Oaks, June 9, 1862. 

Charles E. Smith; 5th C, Co. F. Stevensburgh, Va., March 12, 1864. 

Charles W. Stanton; 7th C, Co. A. Cumberland, Md., June 5, 1865. 

Claudius Steele; 3d I., Co. F. Camp Sickles, May 15, 1863. 

David Stone: 3d I., Co. H. WiUiamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862. 

Seth R. Simons; 3d I., Co. H. Georgetown, July 22, 1862. 

Rufus W. Seaman; 13th I., Co. G. David's I., N. Y., May 1, 1865. 

Franklin Shippey; 14th I., Co. E. Sister's Feriy, Ga., Feb. 3, 1865. 

Stephen Simonson; 26th T., Co. C. N. Y., July 29th, 1863. 

John Smith; 3d I., Co. H. Washington, Oct. 3, 1862. 

John H. Tibbitts; 26th 1., Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

A Twitchell; 26th I., Co. C. Cold Harbor, June 6, 1864. 

Ambrosial Thompson; 26th I., Co. C. Suffolk, Va., June 11, 1863. 

Jesse Vanhaltrim; 2d C, Co. D. Andersonville prison. May, 1864. 

Wm. H. VanScotan; 6th C, Co. K. Andersonville prison, Aug. 18, 1864. 

Chaa-les Verne; 26th I., Co. C. W. Oak Swamp, Va., Aug. 25, 1864. 

Eli Wright; 5th I., Co. A. Petersburg. Sept. 12, 1864. . 

Lewis Willeys; 2d C, Co. E. Louisville, Nov. 16, 1862. 

Geo. W. Wilson; 26th I., Co. C. Spottsylvania, May 12th, 1864. 

Henry F. Wheaton; 6th C, Co. H. Winchester, Va., Nov. 18, 1864. 

Lysander Williams; 26th L, Co. C. Washington, July 21, 1864. 

David H. Wright; 26th L, Co. C. Port Royal, Va., May 12, 1864. 

Owen H. Young; E. & M., Co. D. Camp Ohio, May 14, 1862. 



The following note, received by tlie antlior in answer to tjie 
call for information, tells a sad storj: 

'' Cascade, May 31st, 1875. 
"Mr. Everett: 

"Str; — I had three sons onli/ at the beginning of the war. Amos M., 
whose name I see on your pubUshed list. Edgar W. was wounded at the 
battle of Chickamauga; died of his wounds at Chattanooga, Oct. Kith, 1873. 
He was captain of Co. D., 21st Michigan. Erson H. died in Libby prison, 
Sept. 12th, 1863, from sheer neglect and want of food. Such was the dread 
sacrifice in my family in the bloody struggle for right and humanity. 

"H. B. Smith." 

MEN FOE, THE AVAR. 

lOXIA COUNTY, 1862. 

Volunteers, 1,181; distributed as follows : 

1st Inf., 2; 2d Inf., 2; 3d Inf., 175; 7th Inf., 1; 8th Inf., 9; 10th Inf., 141 ; 
13th Inf., 21; 14th Inf., 5; 15th Inf., 22; 16th Inf., 98; 21st Int., 300; 25th 
Inf., 71; 26th Inf., 9; Eng. & Mec, 56; 1st Cav., 31; 2d Cav., 12; Sd Cav., 
51; 5th Cav., 7; 6th Cav., 104; 3d Battery, 2; 5th Bat., 4; 8th Bat., 1; 
Sharp-shooters, 54. 



GKAND KIYLK VALLEi'. 381 

KENT COUNTY, 1862. 

Whole number of volunteers in the field, 2,039, distributed as follows: 
1st Inf., 18; 2d Inf., 1; 3d Inf., 377; 4th Inf., 1; 5th Inf., 1; 6th Inf., 1; 

7th Inf., 1; 8th Inf., 82; 9th Inf., 1; 13th Inf., 52; 14th Inf., 96; 15th Inf.. 

13; 16th Inf., 9; 17th Inf , 1; 21st Inf., 296; 25th Inf., 31; 26th Inf., 63; 

Eng. & M. 225; 1st Cav., 20; 2d Cav., 186; 3d Cav., 45; 4th Cav., 53; 5th 

Cav., 9; 6th Cav., 355; 2d Battery, 16; 3d Battery, 9; 5th Battery, 36; 

Sharp-shootere, 47; Stanton Guard, 1. 

Ottawa, 1862.— Whole, 628.— 1st Inf., 1; 3d Inf., 144; 8th Inf., 31; 9th 
Inf., 13; 13th Inf., 3; 14th Inf., 38; 17th Inf., 1; 21st Inf., 124; 25th Inf., 
83; 26th Inf., 1; Eng. & Mec, 28; 2d Cav., 88; 3d Cav., 2; 4th Cav., 5; 
5th Cav., 32; 6th Cav., 25; Sharp-shooters, 9. 

Muskegon, 1862.— Whole. 352.— 1st Inf., 1; 3d Inf., 112; 8th Inf., 2; 
10th Inf., 1; 14th Inf., 6; 15th Inf., 8; 17th Inf., 1; 21st Inf., 8; 26th 
Inf., 80; Eng. & Mec, 1; 2d Cav., 50; 3d Cav., 2; 4th Cav., 1; 5th Cav.. 
57; 6th Cav., 22. 

Total in the field, 4,200. 

In 1863, Ionia county is credited 317 additional; Kent, 627; Ottavray, 260; 
Muskegan, 47— 93'4. 

In 1864, Ionia County is credited: Volunteers, 56S; Drafted, 13; Re-en- 
listed, 79. Total, 660. 

Kent County is credited: Volunteers, 709; Drafted, 61; Re-enlisted, 
354; in Navy, 10. Total, 1,134. 

Ottaava County is credited: Volunteers, 297: Drafted, 20; Re-enlisted, 
106; Navy, 4. Total, 427. 

Muskegon is credited: Volunteers, 172; Drafted, 48; Re-enlisted, 29; 
Navy, 6. Total, 225. 

Aggregate of the four counties, 2,446. 

In 1865. before April 14th, when recruiting ceased, Ionia County was 
credited: Enlisted, 211; Drafted, 34; Total, 245. 

Kent County: Enlisted, 191; Drafted, 115; Total, 306. 
Ottawa County: Enlisted, 181 ; Drafted, 11; Navy, 1; Total, 182. 
Muskegon County: Enlisted, 64; Drafted, 2; Total, 66. 
Total of the four counties, 799. 

summary of the whole. 

Ionia 2,403 

Kent 4,016 

Ottawa ; 1,497 

Muskegon 690 

Total 8.696 



332 MEMORIALS OY THE 

OLD THIRD REGIMENT. 

On the lirst call for soldiers to resist the action of tlie i-eb- 
els, Col. Daniel McConnell, who was in command of a regi- 
ment of amateur soldiers, was commissioned to raise a 
regiment, to be known as the " Michigan Third Volunteers." 

McConnell had had some military experience in the Mexi- 
can w^ar, wdiere he served as lieutenant. The camp was at the 
Fair Grounds, south of the city of Grand Rapids. 

The recruiting went on for a time, and the regiment was 
fast filling up, when the order came on requiring the enlist- 
ment for three years, or during the war. This necessitated the 
disbandment of the enlisted men, and a re-enlistraent. Most 
of those who had enlisted for three months, re-enlisted for 
three years. 

The regiment was hurried to Washington. It left Grand 
Hapids, and proceeded hy rail to the capital. 

It was a new scene for the denizens of the Yalley to witness 
the departure of its citizens as soldiers. The da}' was one long- 
to be remembered. The streets were thronged as the dustv 
column moved to the depot. Flags were flying, handkerchiefs 
were waving, and hats were dofted, as they moved along. At 
the depot there w^ere few tearless eyes. The compressed lips 
of the soldier, as he bade adieu to the dear ones, there bidding 
"him " Good-bye," showed the strength of the purpose that had 
nerved his soul. The feeling of all was well expressed by one 
who, leaving wife and little ones behind, said to the writer: 
"Not all the wealth and honors of earth could tempt me to 
go, as I am going if it were not a dread necessity. But, be- 
ing as it is, they could not tempt me to &ta,y back." 

They went — the record that follows will show that they did 
good service in the field. Its subsequent history is given in 
the annual reports of the Adjutant-General, which are here 
copied in full: 

This regiment left Grand Hapids for the seat of war on tlic 
Potomac, June 13, 1861, liaving upon its muster rolls the 
names of 1,040 officers and enlisted men. There had becii 123 
added to this number on the first of July, 1802. The Third 
was in action at Blackburn's Ford, July 18, 18G1. It encamped 



GKAND KIVEE VALLEY. 333 

for the Avinter near Alexandria, with the Second and Fifth, 
forming part of the same brigade, and was moved to the Pen- 
insnhi in March, where it served to the conclusion of that 
campaign. It fought at Williamsburg, May 5th, at Fair Oaks, 
May 30; at Glendale (or Charles City Cross Eoads), June 30; 
at Malvern Hill, July 1, and at Groveton (or Bull Eun), Au- 
gust 29. Its losses at Fair Oaks were 30 killed, 124 wounded, 
and 15 missing; at Bull Run 20 killed, and a large number 
wounded and. missing. Its last return showed an ao-frreo-ate 
for the 30th of November, of 669, present and absent. It was 
in Birney's Division of Stoneman's corps of the army of the 
Potomac, and had for its officers: 

Stephen G. Champlin, Colonel, October 28, 1861. 
Byron R. Pierce, Lt. Colonel, July 25, 1862. 
Moses B. Houghton, Major, September 1, 1862. 
James F. Grove, Surgeon, September 24, 1862. 
Walter B. Morrison, Assistant Surgeon, August 1, 18G2. 

, 2d Assistant Surgeon. 

Elisha 0. Stevens, Adjutant, January 1, 1862. 
Robert M. Collins, Qr. Master, May 13, 1861. 
Joseph Anderson, Chaplain, April 1, 1862. 
Edwin S. Pierce, Captain, May 13, 1861 . 
Stephen G. Lovidng, Captain, October 28, 1861. 
Israel S. Geer. Captain, December 26, 1861. 
Israel C. Smith, Captain, January 1, 1862. 
George E. Judd, Captain, June 23, 1862. 
Simon Brennan, Captain, September 1, 1862. 
WilHam L. Lyon, Captain, October 20, 1862. 
George W. Dodge, Captain, October 25, 1862. 
Frederick A. Stowe, Captain, October 25, 1862. 
Almon D. Borden, Captain, September 26, 1862. 
Silas M. Pelton, 1st Lieutenant, January 2, 1862. 
Joseph Mason, 1st Lieutenant, June 9. 1862. 
Daniel S. Root, 1st Lieutenant, July 1, 1862. 
Thomas I. Waters, 1st Lieutenant, August 5, 1862. 
Benj. C. Tracey, 1st Lieutenant, September 1, 1862. 
David C. Crawford, 1st Lieutenant, September 22, 1862. 
Byron E. Hess, 1st Lieutenant, September 26, 1862. 
Andrew Nickerson, 1st Lieutenant, October 20, 1862. 
Alfred Pew, 1st Lieutenant, October 20, 1862. 
Geo. W. Remington, 1st Lieutenant, October 25, 1862. 
Charies H. Carey, 2d Lieutenant, October 28, 1861. 
Theodore Hetz, 2d Lieutenant, January 2, 1862. 
Thomas Tate, 2d Lieutenant, April 3, 1862. 



S34: MEMORIALS OP THE 

Homev L. Thas'er, 2d Lieutenant, June 9, 1862. 

Miles S. Adams, 2d Lieutenant, July 1, 1862. 

Peter V. Bergroon, 2d Lieutenant, September 1, 1862. 

Calvin P. McTag-gart, 2d Lieutenant, September 24, 1862. 

Julius D. Fanger, 2d Lieutenant, September 26, 1862. 

Geo. Hubbard, 2d Lieutenant, October 20, 1862. 

James D. Beimett, 2d Lieutenant, October 25, 1862. 

This regiment, on the 1st of jS'oveinber, 1862, left EclwarcVs 
Ferry, Md., and marching by Warrenton, encamped at Fal- 
mouth, November 23d. Crossing the 'Rappahannock on tlie 
IStli of December, it was under lire three days at tlie first 
battle of Fredericksburg, sustaining a loss of 9 in wounded. 
Recrossing on the 15th, it occupied its former camp. Janu- 
iiary 20th, 1863, the i-egiment marched with its corps to Uni- 
ted States Ford, but without crossing the river, returned to 
<;amp near Falmouth, wliere it lay until April 28th. Break- 
ing camp at that date, it crossed the Tiap23ahannock May 1st, 
at United States Ford, and moved up near Ohancellor's House. 
In the engagement at Chancellors ville it sn stained a loss of 
63 killed, wounded and missing. Breaking camp again on tlie 
11th of June, the regiment marched via Centreville, Edward's 
Ferry and Frederick City, to Gettysburg, Pa., over dustj' roads 
and during an intense heat. It was engaged in the actions of 
tlie 2d and 3d of July, at Gettysburg, where its loss was 41 
killed, wounded and missing. Having followed the retreating 
enemy to Williamsport, it marched thence to Ilai-per's Ferry, 
crossed the Potomac and moved to Manassas Gap. It was 
engaged at Wapping Heights, but without loss. On the ITth 
of August, the regiment proceeded to Alexandria, and from 
there to New York, whither it had been ordered to aid in the 
preservation of the public peace during the then j)ending draft. 
Remaining there some days, it moved to Troy, I^. Y., where 
it was stationed two weeks. It then repaired to its brigade in 
the Army of the Potomac, arriving at Culpepper September 
17th. On the 11th of October, falling back across the Rappa- 
hannock by way of Auburn Heights, it had a slight skirmish 
with the rebels, with a loss of 1 wonnded. Moving thence by 
Manassas and Centreville, it lay at Fairfax Station four days, 
and thence moved forward to Catlett's Station, where it en- 



GEAKD KIVER VALLEY. 335 

camped I^ovember 1st, 1S63. The alterations and casualties 
of the year were as follows : 

Died in action oi' wounds, 28: died of disease, 13; discharged for disabil- 
ity, 168; discharged by order, 22; deserted, 20; missing in action, 27; offi- 
cers resigned, 9; officers dismissed, 2; wounded in action, 59; joined regi- 
ment, 22; present and absent November 1st, 1862,701; present and absent 
November 1st, 186B, 467. 

The regiment was in the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, od Corps, 
Army of the Potomac. It had the following officers : 

Byron R. Pierce, Colonel, Jan. 1, 1863; lieut. col., July 25, 1862; maj., 
Oct. 28, 1861; capt., May 13, 1861. 

Edwin S. Pierce, Lieut. Colonel, Jan. 1, 1863; capt., May 14, 1861. 

Moses B. Houghton, Major, Sept. 1, 1862; capt., May 13, 1862. 

James F. Grove, Surgeon, Sept. 24, 1862; 2d asst. surg., Aug. 15, 1862, 

Walter B. Morrison, Asst. Surgeon, Aug. 1, 1862. 

■-, 2d Asst. Surgeon. 

, Adjutant. 

Robert M. Collins, Quartermaster, May 13, 1861. 

-^- — — , Chaplain. 

Stephen G. Lowing, Captain, Oct. 28, 1861; 1st lieut.. May 13, 1861. 

Israels. Geer, " Dec. 26, 1861; 2d lieut., Aug. 1, 1861. 

George E. Judd, " June 23, 1862; 1st lieut., Oct. 28. 1861; 2d 

lieut.. Aug. 1,1861. 

Simon Brenn an, Captain, Sept. 1, 1862; 1st lieut., Oct. 28, 1861; 2d lieut., 
Aug. 1, 1861. 

Daniel S. Root, Captain, Feb. 5, 1863; 1st liei;t., July 1, 1862; 2d lieut., 
Nov. 28, 1861. 

Thomas J. Waters, Captain, March 25, 1863; 1st lieut., Aug. 5, 1862; 2d 
lieut., Oct. 28, 1861. 

Thomas Tate, Captain, March 28, 1863; 1st lieut.,' Sept. 1. 1862. 

Beiyamin C. Tracey, 1st Lieut., Sept. 1, 1862; 2d lieut., Jan. 1, 1862. 

David C. Crawford, " Sept. 22, 1862; 2d lieut., July 19, 1861. 

Andrew Nickerson, " Oct, 20, 1862; 2d lieut., Aug. 5, 1862. 

Alfred Pew, " " " 2d lieut.. May 21, 1862. 

GeorgeW. Remington, " Oct. 25, 1862; 2d lieut., Sept. 22. 1862, 

Theodore Hetz, " Jan. 1, 1863; 2d.lieut., Jan. 2, 1862. 

Homer L. Thayer, " March 25, 1863; 2d lieut., June 9, 1862. 

Calvm P. McTaggert, " March 28, 1863; 2d lieut., Sept. 24, 

1862. , 

Julius D, Fanger, 2d Lieut., Sept. 26, 1862. 

George Hubbard, " Oct. 20, 1862. 

Milton L2onard, " Feb. 5, 1863. 

Rufus W. Skeels, " Feb. 21, 1863. 

Jerome B. Ten Eyck, " March 30, 1863. 



336 MEMORIALS OF THE 

On the Ytli of ISTovember, 1863, the Third Infantry moved 
forward with tlie Army of the Potomac to Kelly's Ford, on tlie 
Rappahannock, and thence inarched to Brandy Station, on the 
Orange and Alexandria Railroad, where it went into cam]>. 
On the 26th, the regiment took part in the Mine Run cam- 
paign, engaging the enemy on the 2Tth, at Locust Grove, and 
on the 30tli at Mine Run. Having fallen back with the army, 
it again arrived at its camp at Brandy Station, on the 2d of 
December, having lost during the movement 31 killed, 
wounded and missing. Oji the 23d of December, 180 of the 
regiment re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteers. Returning to 
this State, these Veterans were oiven the usual furlouo^h of 
thirty days, at the expiration of which they returned to the 
regiment. Crossing the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, on the 
morning of the dth of May, 1864, the regiment advanced 
and encamped at Chancellorsville, On the three following 
days the regiment participated in the battles of the Wilder- 
ness, sustaining a heavy loss. It was also engaged at Todd's 
Tavern, on the 8tb. On the 12th, at Spottsylvania, it partic- 
ipated in the successful charge of the 2d Corps, capturing a 
number of prisoners and two rebel battle flags. Prior to this 
engagement the Third was consolidated temporarily with the 
Fifth Infantry. The regiment also took part in the engage- 
ment on the ISTorth Anna River; thence it marched to the 
Pamunky, which it crossed on the 27th, and advanced toward 
Cold Harbor. In addition to the engagements mentioned, 
the Third also participated in a number of minor actions and 
skirmishes. Its loss during the month of May was 31 killed, 
119 wounded and 29 missing. On the 9th of June, at Cold 
Harbor, Va., the regiment, with the exception of the re-en- 
listed men, and such as had joined since the date of original 
organization, and certain designated officers, were ordered to 
proceed to this State for the purpose of being discharged. The 
remaining officers and men were formed into a battalion of 
four companies, and attached to the Fifth Michigan Infantry. 
The order consolidating these regiments was conflrmed by 
special orders of the War Department, issued on the 13th of 
June, 1864. On the 20th day of June, the organization, 



GKAND RIVEK VALLEY. 



337 



vvliicli bad been one of tbe first in the field, was formally mus- 
tered out of the U. S. service. 

Tbe alterations and casualties from November 1st to date 
of muster out, were as follows: 

Died in action or of wounds, 35; died of disease, 6; discharged for dis- 
ability, <!tc., 166; transferred, 354; missing in action, 39; re-enlisted as vet- 
erans, 207. 

This regiment was consolidated with the 5th Infantry, June 
13tb, 1864, and on tbe 20th tbe original organization was for- 
mallv mustered out of service. During tbe war it was en- 
gaged as a regiment in the battles and skirmishes named 
below, up to and including June 7th. The portion of it con- 
solidated with the 5tli remained in service until the close of 
the war, and participated in all the battles in which that regi- 
ment was engaged subsequent to its consolidation therewith. 



BATTLES AND SKIKMISHES. 



Blackburn's Ford, Va., July 18, 1861. 
Bull Run, " " '21, " 

Siege of Yorktown, " April 4, to May 

4, 1862. 
Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862. 
Fair Oaks, " "31, " 

Savage Station, " June 29, " 
Peach Orchard, " " 29, " 
Glendale, " " 30, " 

White Oak Swamp, Va., Jmi" 30, 1862. 
Malvern Hill, Va.. July 1, 1862. 
Bull tun, -id, " Aug. 29, " 
Chantiily, '' Sept. 1, " 

Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 
Ohancellorsville, Va., Mav 1, 2, 3, 

1853. 
Gettysburg, Penn., July 23, 1863. 
Wapping Heights, Va., July 23, 1863. 
Auburn Heights, " Oct. 1, " 
Xelley's Ford, " Nov. 7, " 

Locust Grove, " "27, " 

Mine Run, " " 29, " 



Wilderness, Virginia, May 5, 7, 1864. 
Fodd's Tavern, " " 8, 1864. 
Po River, " " 10, " 

Spottsylvania, " " 12, " 
North'Anna, Va , May 23, 24, 1864. 
Coal Harbor, " June 7, " 

Petersburg, " " 16, 22, " 
Deep Bottom, " July 27, 28, " 
StravvbeiTy Plains, Va., Aug. 14, 17, 

1864. 
Poplar Spring Church, Va., Sept. 30, 

1864. 
Bovdton Road, Va., Oct. 27, 1864. 
Hatcher's Run, " Feb. 2, Mar. 25, 

1864. 
Boydton Road, Va., April 3, 1864. 
Sailor's Creek, " " 6, " 
New Store, " " 8, " 

Appomattox Ct. House, Va., April 9, 

1864. 
Siege of Petersburg, Va., from June 

17, 1864, to April 3, 1865. 



FIRST ENGIKEERS AND MECUANICS. 

This regiment was one in which the Grand River Yalley was 
deeply interested, having been r.aised by one of her citizens, 
and largel}' composed of men from that region. 

The succinct history of the operations of the regiment, whicli 
follows, is from the Adj. General's Reports. Appended is a 

22 



338 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

list of the officers of the regiment who belonged to the Grand 
River reji'ion : 

This regiment left its rendezvous at Marshall on the ] Tth of 
December, 1861, for Louisville, with an aggregate force of 
1032. Most of the varied service performed by it has been 
by detacliments, the regiment having been more or less sepa- 
rated most of the time since it entered upon duty. One of 
these detachments, under Gen. O. M. Mitchell, comprised the 
lirst Union troops to enter Bowling Green after its evacuation 
by the enemy; another was at the battle of Chaplain Hills. 
The regiment has been employed in the repair or re-opening 
of railroads between Nashville and Chattanooga, Nashville and 
Columbia, Corinth and Decatur, Huntsville and Stevenson, 
and Memphis and Charleston, and has twice assisted in re- 
opening the road from Nashville to Louisville, During the 
month of Jnne, alone, it built seven bridges on the Memphis 
and Charleston railroad, each from 84 to 340 feet in length. 
{\n the aggregate 2,758 feet,) and from 12 to 56 feet in lieight. 
After the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, it was engaged eiglit 
weeks in the construction of steamboat landings and crossings, 
with only one day's rest. 

From the 1st of November, 1862, to Jnne 20th, 1863, this 
regiment was stationed at Edgefield and Mill Creek, near Nash- 
ville, Lavergne, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and at a point near 
Nashville, on the Tennessee and Alabama railroad. During 
this time the re^'iment built nine brido^es. a number of mas^a- 
zines, buildings for commissary, quartermaster and ordnance 
stores, and repaired and relaid a large amount of railroad 
track. January 1st, while at Lavergne, the regiment was 
attacked by a cavalry force numbering between three and four 
thousand, with two pieces of artillery, under the rebel Generals 
Wheeler and Wharton. The rebels retreated with considerable 
loss, after having vainly endeavored to compel a surrender. 
The loss of the regiment was 1 killed and 6 wounded. June 
29th, tlie regiment received orders to move south from Mur- 
freesboi'O, to open and repair the line of the Nashville and 
Chattanooga railroad. During July and August it was en- 
gaged in repairing the railroad from Murfreesboro to Bridge- 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 339 

port. In July the regiment built five bridges, one of which, 
over Elk river, was 460 feet in length, and one at Duck River 
Crossing 350 feet in length. During September and October, 
detached companies were employed in building a bridge at 
Chattanooga, making pontoons for a bridge at Bridgeport, con- 
structing commissary buildings at Stevenson, building and 
repairing bridges, &c., on lines of the Kashville and Chatta- 
nooga railroad, and the Kashville and ]S^orthwestern railroad. 
October 31st, the headquarters of the regiment were at Elk 
River Bridge, Tenn. During the year, in addition to the work 
mentioned, the regiment got out a large amount of timber for 
buildings, and a great number of railroad ties, and performed 
a very large amount of repairing to railroad tracks, stations, 
etc. 

This regiment, during the months of November and De- 
cember, 1863, and January and February, 1864, was employed 
in building trestle work and bridges on the Nasliville and 
Northwestern Railroad, and in the construction of storehouses 
and other buildings at Chattanooga and Bridgeport, for the 
Quartermaster, Commissary, Ordnance and other Departments 
of the Army. During a portion of the time, the battalion at 
Chattanooga was emplo3'ed in refitting saw mills. In March 
and April a battalion was stationed a Chattanooga, where it 
was engaged in running saw mills, and in getting out railroad 
ties, building hospital accommodations, and in work on the 
defenses at that point. Detachments from the other compa- 
nies were eno-as-ed in erectinor block houses on the Tennessee 
and Alabama, Nashville and Chattanooga, and Memphis and 
Charleston railroads. During the month of May, the battal- 
ion at Chattanooga remained at that place. Two companies 
were employed at Bridgeport in erecting artillery block houses. 
One battalion was stationed on the Memphis and Charleston 
R. R., building block-houses from Decatur to Stevenson, and 
two companies were at Stevenson completing the defenses of 
the post. The two companies at Stevenson remained at that 
point at work on the defenses up to the date of the last 
monthly returns received, September 30th. In June, July, 
August and September, the regiment, with the exception of 



340 MEMORIALS OF THE 

one company at Cliattanooga, one company at Bridgeport a 
portion of the time and the two companies at Stevenson, were 
ene-aired on the line of tlie Atlantic and AVestern Railn^ad, 
building block-houses, getting out ties, repairing, etc. The 
headquarters of the regiment on the 30th of September were 
at Atlanta, Ga. The information as to the details of the 
operations of the regiment during the year is too limited to 
permit a more extended notice. The regiment is known to 
have done a great amount of work, which was of much value 
to the armies wnth which it has been connected. 

On the 31st October, 1864:, the original term of the regiment 
expired, and such otRcers as desired to leave the service were 
mustered out, also the enlisted men whose term of enlistment 
had expired. The re-enlisted veterans, together with the re- 
cruits who had joined the regiment, enabled it to maintain its 
full strenofth and organization entire. From the 1st to the 
15th of November, the regiment, with the exception of com- 
panies L and M, was stationed at Atlanta, (xa., and was em- 
ployed in constructing defenses, destroying rebel works, depots, 
rolling mills, foundries, gas works and other rebel property, 
tearing up and rendering useless the various railroad tracks in 
the vicinity. On the 16th Nov., attached to the 11-th Army 
Corps, it marched from Atlanta as a part of the Engineer force 
of Gen. Sherman's Army, to Sandersville, Ga., thence moved 
with the 20th Army Corps to Horse Creek, wdiere it received 
orders to join the 17th Corps, with which it marched to Savan- 
nah, reaching there December lOth. During the marcii the 
regiment was required to keep pace with the movements of 
the army, traveling over 20 miles a day, and during the time 
was employed in tearing up railroad track, twisting rails, de- 
stroying bridges, repairing and making roads through marshes, 
and building and repairing bridges. On the 10th and 11th 
December, the regiment built a dam across the Ogeechee Canal, 
under fire of the rebel batteries. From that time until after 
the evacuation of Savannah by the enemy, the regiment was 
constantly at work taking up railroad track and destroying the 
rails of the several railroads leading out of the city, and in 
constructing long stretches of corduroy road for passing and 



GRAND ErVER VALLEY. 341 

re-passing wagon trains. On the 23d December it moved into 
the city, and on the 2Sth commenced work on the fortifications 
laid out by direction of Gen. Sherman, These works, con- 
structed bj and under tlie supervision of tlie regiment, were 
over two miles in length, and included several strong batteries 
and lunettes. Januarv 3d, 1865, the regiment was again in 
motion, marching to Pooler's Station, to convert the railroad 
into a wagon road, and again returning to Savannah. On the 
26th it embarked on transports for Beaufort, S. C, and on the 
31st started with the armj on its march to Goldsboro, N. C. 
The regiment moved with the 15th Corps to Banbury, S. C, 
and thence with the 20th Corps to Columbia, then with the 
17th Corps to Fayetteville, and thence to Goldsboro with the 
20th Corps, where it arrived on the 23d March. It is esti- 
mated that daring this campaign, besides making and repair- 
ing a great distance of corduroy road, the regiment destroyed 
and twisted the rails of thirty miles of railroad track, and 
built eight or ten important bridges and crossings. At Edisto 
the bridge was constructed under fire from the enemy's sharp- 
shooters. At Hughes, Little and Big Lynch Creeks, the 
bridges and crossings were built by working in the night. At 
the latter place the water was waist deep; and where a foot 
crossing was made in one niglit nearly a mile in length, and 
the next day the same distance was corduroyed for the army 
trains to pass over. At Columbia the regiment was employed 
in destroying factories and stores; at Cheraw, ordnance and 
stores; at Fayetteville, the arsenal shops and stores. 

Companies L and M, which had been detached i'rom tlic 
regiment early in the summer of 1864, and placed upon the 
defenses at Stevenson, Ala., having completed these defenses, 
which consisted of a system of eight block houses, were re- 
tained in the Army of the Cumberland, to be emjjloyed on the 
defenses of the Nashville and Chattanooga Kailroad, and on 
the 28th Nov. were moved to Elk River Bridge, and stationed 
in detachments along the line of the railroad, to Fort Rose- 
crans, at Murfreesboro, engaged when not interrupted bv 
Hood's army, in building block houses. During most of the 
month of December, these detachments, except the one at Elk 



342 MEMORIALS OF THE 

River Bridge, were doing duty in Fort Rosecrans while Kasli- 
ville and Murfreesboro were invested bj the forces nnder Hood 
and Forrest, and were engaged in completing and repairing the 
works at the Fort. On the loth December, a detachment of 
Company L, with several companies of an Illinois regiment 
which had been sent out to assist in brin^'ins: in a railroad 
train of provisions sent from Stevenson, Ala., were captured, 
after six hours' hard fighting. Companies L and M left Mur- 
freesboro March 1st, 1865, to join the regiment, and proceeded 
by rail via Louisville, Indianapolis, Crestline, Pittsburgh and 
Philadelphia, to Kew York, where thej took steamer to Beau- 
fort, IST. C, and thence by rail to New^bern, joining the regi- 
ment at Goldsboro, on the 25th of March. 

On the 10th of April General Sherman's army broke camp, 
at Goldsboro, the regiment moving with the 20th Corps and 
soon after readied Raleigh, where it remained until the nego- 
tiations were completed for the surrender of Johnston's army, 
and on the 30th moved with the 17th Corps, on the march to 
Washington, crossing the Eoanoake River at Monroe, and 
passing through the cities of Petersburg, Richmond and Alex- 
andria, Ya. On the 21th, the regiment passed in the review 
of the armies at Washington, and went into camp near George- 
town, D. C. Early in June it was ordered to Louisville, Ky., 
to report to Major General Tiiomas, commanding the Depart- 
ment of the Cumberland, and was ordered tol^ashville, Tenn., 
where it arrived July 1st. There the regiment was employed 
upon the defenses until September 22d, when it was mustered 
out of service and ordered to this State, arrivino: at the ren- 
dezvous, at Jackson, September 25th, and on the 1st of Octo- 
ber was paid off and disbanded. 

BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES. 

Mill Springs, Ivy., Jan. 19, 1862. 
Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862. 
Siege of Corinth, May 10 to 31, 1862. 
Perry viUe, Ky., Oct, 8, 1862. 
Lavergne, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1863. 



Chattanooga, Tenn., Oot. 6, 1863. 
Siege of Atlanta, Ga., July 22 to Sept. 

2, 1864. 
Savannah, Ga., Dec. 11 to 21, 1864. 
Bentonville, N. C, March 19, 1865. 



OFFICERS OF THE ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS FROM THE GRAND RIVER 

VALLEY. 

Colonel — Win. P. Innis. 
Surgeon — Wm. H. Do Camp. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 64:6 

Captains — Barkei Borden, resigned Feb. 14, 1862; Silas Canfield, resig-ned 
July 12, 1>*62; Heraaii Parraerlec, resigned July 30, 1862; Wright L. Coffin- 
berry, PerrinV. Fox. James W. Sligh, died from wounds, November 15, 
1863; Lucius F. Mills, James D. Robinson, John W. McCrath, John W. 
Williamson, Joseph C. Herkner, Wm. S. Nevlns, Andrew B. Coffinberry, 

First Lieutenants — John W. Williamson, James D. Robinson, Joseph C. 
Huckner, Lucius F. Mills, Albert H. Kimball, resigned August 18, 18G2; 
Albert B. Culver, Henry F. Williams, William S. Nevins, Charles W. 
Calkins, Albert Wells, Benjamin A. Colton, James M. Sligh, Wm. Betting- 
house, Elias A. York, Albert B. Culver, resigned January 8, 1864. 

Second Lieutenants — John W. McCrath, Edwin Baxter, honorably dis- 
charged for disability, February 16, 1864; William T. Hess, Albert B. Culver, 
William S. Nevins, Henry T. Williams, Charles S. Wooding, Lyman L 
McCrath. 

SIXTH CAVALRY. 

Tlie Sixth Keg-imeiit of Cavalry was oro;anizecl at Grand 
Rapids, under autliority granted to Hon.F. W. Kellogg-, by the 
War Dejjartnient, sanctioned by the Governor. It was rapidly 
mied and mustered into service on the 13th of October, its 
rolls carrying the names of 1,229 officers and men. It left its 
rendezvous on the lOtli of December, 1863, taking the route 
to Washingion, fully mounted and equipped, but not armed. 
It was placed in the array of the Potomac. Its list of officers 
was as follows: 

George Gray. Colonel; Russel A. Alger, Lt. Colonel; Thaddeus Foote, 
Major; Elijah D. Waters, Major; Simeon D. Brown, Major; Daniel G. 
Weare, Surgeon; David C. Spalding, Ass't Surg.; Hiram F. Hale, Adjutant; 
Charles H. Patten, Qr. Master; Jacob Chapman, Commissary; Stephen S. N. 
Greely, Chaplain. 

Captains — Henry E. Thompson, Peter A. Weber, Wesley Armstrong. 
David 6. Royce, James H. Kidd, William Hyser, George A. Drew, Henry L. 
Wise, Charles W. Deane, John T. Andrews. John Torrey, John M. Pratt. 

First Lieutenants — Manning D. Birge, Warren C. Comstock, Edward Pot- 
ter, Seymour Stripman, Edward L. Craw, Don Carlos Batcheldor, Harrison 
N. Throop, James H. Lobdell, Robert A. Moore, Peter Cramer. Phillip G. 
Corey, Harvey H. Vinton, Wesley A. Green, Joshua W. Mann, Walter B. An- 
derson, Daniel Duesler, Frank Burr, Henry A. Stetson, L. Briggs Eldredge, 
Isaac Lamoreaux, Hiram F. Beals. 

Second Lieutenants — Stephen H. Ballard, Charles E. Bolza. William 
Creary Horace B. Rogers, Angelo E. Tower, Don G. Lovell, William Hull, 
Horace H. Richards, John S. Joslyn. Lewis H. Jordan, James Mather, B. 
Franklin Rockafellow, Thomas J. Sheers, Edward L. Tucker, Frank Sylves- 
ter. Henry D. Fields, Arthur Woo.l, Wm. W. Van Antwerp, Daniel West, 
'J'homas J. Parker, Aaron Rowe. 



344 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Sup. Second Lieutenants — James P. Rexford, Cyrus H. Fountain, Levi 
Griffin, Geo. Landon. 

With the exception of a skirmisli with Wade Hampton's 
division of Cavalry at Stevensburg, Va., in the early part of 
November, and several demonstrations on the enemy's lines 
on the Rapidan at " Raccoon," " Siimmerville " and " Mor- 
ton's " Fords, in whicli the regiment participated, no active 
duty was assigned to the Sixth Cavalry from the 1st of No- 
vember, 1863, to the latter part of February, 1864. On the 
28th of February, leaving camp at Stevensburg, it started on 
the cavalry raid to Richmond, under General Kilpatrick. Its 
Division being attacked near Mechanicsville on the night of 
the 2d of March, it was Obliged to retire, a portion of the 
Sixth Cavalry forming a part of the rear guard. Having suc- 
ceeded in ioinino- the forces at 'New Kent C. H.. the rem- 
ment moved down the Peninsula, and. embarking on trans- 
ports, proceeded to Alexandria, whence it returned to its for- 
mer camp at Stevensburg. On the 18th of April, its brigade 
was transferred to the 1st Cavalry Division, and during the 
ensuing campaign was known as the 1st Brigade of that 
Division. The camp was moved to Culpepper, where, on the 
3d of May, companies M and I, which had been operating in 
the Shenandoah during the past year, rejoined the regiment. 
On the 6th, near Chancellorsville, the command became en- 
gaged, the enemy making desperate efforts to drive it from its 
position without success, the rebels being repulsed at all points 
and finally driven from the field in great disorder. On the 7th, 
the regiment was engaged in skirmisliing. On the Sth, the en- 
tire corps was massed, and on the morning of the Dtli, under 
Gen. Sheridan, started on the raid to the rear of the rebel 
army, the 1st Brigade being in the advance. Arriving at Bea- 
ver Dam Station, the command captured three trains laden 
with supplies and two locomotives In addition to these a 
large amount of stores, a considerable number of arms and 
tents were captured. iVfter supplying the command, the re- 
maining property, valued at several millions of dollars, was de- 
stroyed. A ]X)rtion of tlie Virginia Central R. R. track wa^^ 
also torn up. On tlie the 11th, tlie brigade participated in the 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 845 

enijawinent with the enemy's cavah'v at Yellow Tavern, avIi ere 
the latter were routed and driven from tlie field. On the 12tli the 
retjiment dismounted, and crossed on the ties of the railroad 
bridge in the face of a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, 
and assisted in driving the enemy from their works at Meadow 
Bridge. The next day the command marched to Bottom's 
Bridge, whence, on the 14th, it proceeded to Malvern Hill and 
opened communications with our forces on the James Eiver. 
On the 17th, the command started on its return to the army. 
At Hanover Court House it destroyed tressel bridges, a portion 
of the railroad track and telegraph line, and captured commis- 
sary stores, rejoining the Division at the White House on the 
21st, where it crossed the PamuTiky. On the 25tli, the com- 
mand joined the army of the Potomac at Chesterfield Station. 
On the 2t)th the regiment marched with the brigade to the 
Paniunky, which it crossed, and on the next day engaged the 
enemy, routing them with a lieavy loss. The brigade nuirched 
on the 28th to Hawes' Shop, and thence down the Richmond 
road, where finding our cavalry engaged, the command partic- 
ipated in the action. The Sixth took part in a decisive charge 
on tlie enemy's lines, driving the rebels from their position 
and com|)elling them to leave the ground strewn with their 
dead and wounded. The loss of the regiment was very severe. 
Out of 140 men engaged, one-fourth were killed or wounded 
in less than ten minutes. The battle was fought in thick 
woods with the men dismounted. Engaging in the raid of 
Sheridan's forces toward Gordonsville, the regiment on the 
11th of June participated in the battle of Treviliian's Station, 
charging the enemy repeatedly and capturing many prisoners, 
most of whom, howevei", were recaptured. From the time it 
crossed the Rapidan on the 5th of May, to the date of its 
crossing the James, June 28th, the loss of the regiment was 29 
killed, 60 wounded and 64 missing, a total of 153. On the 3d 
of August the Sixth embarked on transports and moved to 
Washington, thence marched to Halltown, where it arrived on 
the 10th. On the morning of the 11th, the regiment marched 
beyond Opequan Creek, towards Winchester. A battalion of 
the regiment became engaged and repelled a cliarge of the 



34:6 MEMORIALS OF THE 

enemy, sa\nng a Union battery from capture. On tlie IStli the 
command moved to Cedarville, and on the following- day one 
battalion participated in the repulse of rebel infantry and cav- 
alry that had attacked in force the camp of the 1st Division 
near Front Royal. In a charge this battalion captured a num- 
ber of prisoners. On the 25th, the regiment participated in the 
engagement at Kearneysville and Shepardstown. Being cut 
oft' from the main body and nearly surrounded by the enemy, 
the command retired across the Potomac, whence it returned 
to the South side of the river via Harper's Ferry. From the 
25tli of August to the 15th of September, the regiment was 
actively employed. It took part in the engagements at " Lee- 
town " and '' Smithfield," made several reconnoissances in 
which the enemy were encountered, served as Gen. Sheridan's 
escort, engaged in the pursuit of Mosby's guerrillas, and par- 
ticipated in all the marches and countermarches that occurred 
during this period of the Shenandoah campaign. On the 19th 
of Se])tember, the Sixth, at Sever's Ford, on Opequan Creek, 
charged across an open space in the face of a galling fire from 
the enemy, who were strongly posted behind breastworks. 
Driving the enemy before it, the regiment moved to near 
Winchester, where it participated in several charges on the 
rebel infantry and cavalry; assisted in breaking their lines and 
in capturing prisoners, artillerj^ and rebel colors. Of the for- 
mer the regiment captured more than its entire number en- 
gaged. From the 19th to the 23d, the Sixth was engaged in the 
})ursuit of the enemy. On the 24tli, it came upon Wickham's 
brigade of rebel cavalry in the Luray Valle)^, charged and 
assisted in routing them. On the 26th, the regiment crossed 
the Shenandoah at Fort Republic and skirmished Avith the en- 
emy, but finding them in force, withdrew. It remained in the 
vicinity of Port Republic, Cross Keyes and Mt. Craw- 
ford until the Gth of October, when it fell back witli our 
troops to Timbersville, on the Tth to Woodstock, and on the 
8th to Fisher's Hill. The enemy keeping up an annoying 
pursuit, the Sixth, supported by the Seventh (Mich.) Cavalry, 
turned upon the enemy and drove them upon the rnn back to 
AVoodstock. The regiment was also engaged in action on the 



GEAND EIVEB VAXLET. 347 

9tli, charging and routing the force opposed to it. Going into 
camp at Cedar Creek, it remained tliere, with the exception 
of a reconnoissance to Front Royal on the 15th, until the 
battle of Middletown (or Cedar Creek) on the lOtli of Octo- 
ber. In this action, the regiment participated. Having 
repelled the rebel attacks, it charged and broke their lines, 
capturing many prisoners and a stand of colors. The rebel 
infanti-y opposed to it were routed. The regiment took part in 
the pursuit to Woodstock, but returjied to Cedar Creek, where 
it was encamped October 31st, 1S64, The regiment is (1864) 
in 1st Division Cavalry Corps, Middle Military Division, and 
and is commanded by Col. James H. Kidd. 

On November 1st, 1864, this regiment was with the Cavalry 
Corps of the Army of the Shenandoah, and lay at Camp Rus- 
sell, near Winchester, Ya., making preparations to go into 
winter quarters, and was engaged in the usual picket service, 
and in scouting, until the 27th of February, 1865, when it 
formed part of the force with wliich General Sheridan made 
his movement against General Early's army, and on the rebel 
communications in the direction of Gordonsville and Rich- 
mond, and at that date moved with the cavalry corps towards 
Staunton; and on the 8th of March the regiment participated 
in an engagement with a part of the rebel cavalry under Gen- 
eral Rosser, near Louisa Court House, and assisted in ruutino- 
it, and in capturing the town, in which a large amount of pi'op- 
erty was destroyed, including the railroad depot, with rolling 
stock and telegraph office. It also participated in taking up 
the track and destroying the railroad property on the line of 
the Lynchburg and Gordonsville railroad, and in the destruc- 
tion of the lobks, aqueducts and mills on the line of the James 
River Canal. The command having reached White House 
Landing March 19th, in time to take part in the final battles 
of the Army of the Potomac, soon after, with the cavalry 
corps, took position on the left of the line of that army, and 
and on the 30th the regiment became engasred with the rebel 
cavalry, and assisted in driving them wuthin their w'orks at 
Five Forks. It was also engaged with the enemy at the same 
point on the 31st, and on April 1st; and on the 2d, at the 



348 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

South Side Eailroad; and on the 4t]i, at Duck Pond Mills; on 
'the (Ith, at the battle of the Ridges, or Sailor's Creek; and on 
the 8th and 9th, at Appomattox Court House. After the sur- 
render of Lee, the rebel General Pickett, who was taken pris- 
oner in one of these engagements, spoke of a charge made by 
this regiment, which he witnessed, as being the "bravest he 
ever had seen." After Lee's surrender, the regiment moved 
with the cavalry corps to Petersburg, Ya., and then made aii 
expedition into I^orth Carolina; from thence it marched via 
Petei'sburg and Pichmond to AVashington, D. C, and on the 
23d of May participated in the review of the Army of the 
Potomac. Immediately thereafter, with the Michigan Cavalry 
Brigade, it was ordered West, and proceeded by rail via the 
Baltimore & Oliio Railroad, and Ohio and Mississippi Rivers by 
steamer, to St. Louis, and thence by steamer via the Missouri 
River, to Fort Leavenworth. At that point it received orders 
to cross the Plains, which produced much justifiable dissatis- 
faction in the command; but the regiment recollecting its no- 
ble record, and adhering to its former high degree of disci- 
pline, and faithful observance of orders, and keeping in vicM- 
the honor of its State, commenced its march across the Plains, 
and marched to Fort Kearney, thence to Julesburg. and from 
there to Fort Laramie; at that point the regiment was divided 
into detachments by order of General Connor; one to consti- 
tute a part of the " Left Column Powder River Expedition," 
one to remain at Fort Laramie, and the other to escort a train 
to the Black Hills. The Powder River detachment, on reach- 
ing that point, found that the Indians, which it had been 
sent in search of, had managed to escape, and while there it 
built a fort, known as Fort Reno. On that expedition. Cap- 
tain O. F. Cole, of Co. "G," lost his life; having heedlessly 
strayed a long way from the column, he was surprised by In- 
dians, and shot to death with arrows. From this point a small 
detachment of the command was sent to guard a train to Vir- 
ginia City, Montana, and fallino; in with a lar2:e war party of Ar- 
rappahoe Indians, became surrounded by them, and were "cor- 
ralled" for twelve days, but iinally succeeded in getting intelli- 
gence of their condition to Ge!i. Conner, when reinforcements 



GEAND ElVEE VALLEY. 



349 



were sent to their relief. Sei-geant Hall, of Company " L," and 
Private Ev^ans, of Company "F," having volunteered, succeed- 
ed in carrying the intelligence referred to, a distance of fifty 
miles, through a wild and to them unknown country, swarming 
with hostile Indians, and thereby saved the detachment. On 
the 17th of September, on orders issued by Major General 
Dodge, the men of the regiment whose term of service did not 
expire before Februarj'- 1st, 1866, were consolidated w'itli the 
First Michigan Cavalry, and the regiment was then ordered to 
Fort Leavenworth, and was there mustered out of service on 
the 21th of Koveraber, 1865, when it proceeded to Michigan, 
arriving on the 30th of IvTovember at Jackson, when it was 
paid ofi" and disbanded. 



BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES. 



Hanover. Va., June 30. 1863. 
Hunterstown, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Gettysburg-, " " 3, " 
Monterey, Mfl., "4, " 

Cavetown, "' "5, " 

Smitlilown. " " 6, " 

Boonsboro, " " 6, " 

Hauerstown, Md., " 6, " 
Williiimsport, " " 6, " 
Boonsboro, " " 8, " 
Haofersknvn, " *' 10, " 
Williamsport, " '.' 10, " 
Falling Waters. Md., July 14, 1863. 
Snicker's Gap, Va.. July 19, 1863. 
Kelly's Ford, " Sept. 13, " 
Culpepper Ct. House, Va., Sept. 14. 

1862. 
Raccoon Ford, Va., Sept. 16. 1863. 
White's Ford, " " '21, " 
Jack's Shop, " " 26, " 
James City. " Oct. 12, 1863. 
Brandy Station. Va., Oct. 13, 1863. 
Buckland's Mills, " " 19, •' 
Steven sbiivQ-, " Nov. 19, " 

Morton's Fojd, " •'26, " 
Richmond. Va , March 1. 1864. 
Wilderness. Va.. May 6, 7, 1864. 
Beaver Dam Station, Va., May 9. '64. 
Yellow Tavern, Va., Mav 10, 11. '64. 
Meadow Brid-e, Va., May 12, 1864. 
Hanover, Va., May 27, 1SG4. 



Hawes' Shop, Va.. May 28, 1864. 
Baltimore X Roads. Va.. May 29, '64. 
Cold Harbor, Va., ilay 20. June 1, '64. 
Trevillian Station, Va.. June 11, 12, 

1864. 
Cold Harbor, Va,. July 21. 1861. 
Winchester, " April IL 1864. 
Front Roj-ai, " Any. 16, " 
Leetown, " •* 23. " 

Shephardstown, Va. Aug-. 26, 1864. 
Smith field, " '~' '29, " 

Berryyilie, " Sept, 3, •' 

Summitt, '* " 4, " 

Opequan, *' " 19, " 

Winchester, " " 19, " 

Lurav. " " 24. " 

Port Republic, Va,, Sept. 26, 27, 28, '64. 
Mount Crawford, Va.. Oct. 2, 1864. 
Woodstock. " •' 9, " 

Cedar Creek, " " 19 '' 

Madison Ct. House. Va., Dec! 24, '64. 
Louisa Ct. House, Va., March 8, 1865. 
Five Forks, Va., March 30, 31, April 

1, 1865. 
South Side R. R., Va.. Apnl 2, 1865, 
Duck Pond Mills, " "4, •' 
Ridires. or Sailor's Creek, Va., April 

^6, 1865. 
Apponrittox Ct. House, Va., April 9, 

1865. 
Little Laramie, D.Ter., Aug. 6, 1865. 



j\ricnrGAN seventh cavalry. 
The Adjutant-General in his report of 1863, complains that 
he has had no proper data; but simply says that two battal- 



350 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Jons left Grand Kapids for "Washington, February 20tli, 1862; 
the remaining companies joining them in May; and gives the 
following as the list of officers: 

George Gray, Colonel; Henry E. Thompson, Lieut, Colonel; , 

Major; James H. Kidd, Major; George A. Drew, Major; Daniel G. Weare, 

Surgeon; -^ — , Assistant Surgeon; James Sleeth, 2d Assistant Sui^eon: 

Hiram F. Hale, Adjutant; Charles H. Patten, Quartermaster; Joel S. Shel- 
don, Commissary; Stephen S, N. Greely, Chaplain; William Hyser, Captain; 
Charles W. Dean, Captain; Henry L. Wise, Captain ; Harrison N. Shroop, 
Captain; Harvey H. Vinton, Captain; Edward L, Craw, Captain; Manning 
D. Birge, Captain; Daniel H. Powers, Captain; Jacob L. Greene, Captain; 
Charles E. Storrs, Captain; Don G. Lovell, Captain; James Mathers, Cap- 
tain; Seymour Stripman, 1st Lieutenant; Robert A. Moon, 1st Lieutenant; 
Edward Potter, 1st Lieutenant. 

At the close of 1863, the Seventh Cavalry was in the 2d 
Brigade, 3d Division, Cavahy Corps, of the Array of the Poto- 
mac. On the first of November its officers were: 

William D. Mann, Colonel; AHyne C. Lithfield, Lieutenant Colonel; John 
S. Huston, Major; George K. Newcomb, Major; Henry W. Giangei', Major; 
William U^sjohn, Surgeon. 

This regiment, on the 7th of Kovemher, 1863. joined in the 
^advance of the Army of the Potomac, toward the Rappahan- 
nock. On the morningof the 26th, it crossed the enemy's rifle 
pits, near Morton's Ford, and moving forward captured pris- 
oners from the rear of the rebel column. It was employed on 
picket duty until the 2Sth of February, when it started on the 
*' Kilpatrick raid." On the afternoon of tlie 29th, it arrived at 
Beaver Dam Station, on the Virginia Central Pailroad, altera 
twenty b.ours' march, and assisted in burning the station and 
destroying the track. Resuming the march, it arrived before 
Richmond on the afternoon of the next day, and wliile on picket 
during the night was attacked by a superior force. After a 
desperate fight, being unsupported, it was obliged to retire, 
witli a loss in missing of 44, among whom were its command- 
ing ofiicer, Lieut. Col. A. C. Litchfield, who was taken prisoner. 
Having reached Yorktown, the command moved from thence 
to Alexandria by transports, and marched to its former camp 
near Stevensburg. On the ITth, the regiment, with its brig- 



GRAND RIVEil YALLEY, 351 

ade, was transferred to the 1st Cavalry Division, and moved 
its camp to near Culpepper. Entering the campaign of 1864, 
with the army of the Potomac, it crossed the Eapidan on the 
5th of May, and on the 6th and Tth was engaged with the 
enemy's cavalry, at Tood's tavern, its loss in tlie action being 
three wounded. Marching on the 9tli, it took j)art with the 
cavalry under Gen. Sheridan, in the movement on the enemy's 
communications. It crossed the South Anna River on the 
10th, and on the 11th participated in the battle of Yellow 
Tavern, charging the rebel cavalry, and aiding in driving 
them from the field. The loss of the reg-iment in the enffaore-- 
ment was 3 killed, 15 wounded, and 13 missing. Included 
in the former was Major Henry W. Gi'anger, commanding the 
regiment. On the 12th, the Seventh assisted in driving the 
enemy from Meadow Bridge, and later in the day, from their 
entrenchments near Mechanicsville, losing one man wounded. 
It arrived at Malvern Hill on the 14th. Again joined the 
army at Milford. On the 27th it engaged the rebel cavalry, 
charging and driving one of their brigades sevei'al miles, cap- 
turing 41 prisoners and many horses. It took part in the 
cavalry fight at Hawes' Shop, on the 28th, where its loss was 
4 killed, 10 wounded and 3 missing. On the next day it was 
engaged in skirmishing at Baltimore Cross Roads, losing 2 
wounded. On the 30th it took part in an attack on the 
enemy's works at Cold Harbor. The rebel infantry attacking 
the command on the 1st of June, it assisted in repelling their 
assaults and holding them in check until relieved by our in- 
fantry. Its casualties were 2 killed and 2 wounded. Taking 
part in the raid towards Gordonsville, the regiment was 
warmly engaged on the 11th and 12th of June, at Trevillian 
Station. On the former day, a few men of the regiment, re- 
captured from a larger force of rebels, a piece of artillery, that 
had been taken from the Union forces. The casualties during 
the two days' engagement were 2 killed, 27 wounded and 48 
missing. Returning to the "White House, it thence moved to 
the James River and went into camp. On the 31st of July, 
the regiment was ordered to proceed to "Washington, and 
thence to the Shenandoah Yalley. On the 11th of August, 



352 MEMORIALS OF THE 

with the Sixth Michigan Cavahy, it repelled an assault of the 
enemy near AVincliester. On the IGtli, it participated in the 
battle of (^rooked Hun, where, as they report, " One battalion 
charged a brigade of rebel cavalry, entirely routing them and 
capturing nearly 100 prisoners, many horses, equipments, etc." 
The casaulties in this action were 1 killed, 11 wounded, and 7 
missing. On the 25tli, it w'as in the advance in a reconnoissance 
to near Leetown. Becoming warmly engaged later in the 
day, near Shepardstown, it lost 4 wounded and 3 missing. The 
brigade having been cut oil' from the main command, it 
crossed the Potomac near Sliarpsbiirg, and from theuce re- 
turned, via Ilai'per's Ferry, to the south side of the river. Its 
division being attacked by infantry in force, on the 29th, the 
regiment covered the retreat to Smithfield, losing two killed and 
14 wounded. On the 3d of September, the regiment accompa- 
nied a reconnoissance to AVhite Post, and on its return was 
shelled by the rebels, and lost one killed and three wpunded. On 
the same day it made a reconnoissance to develop the force and 
position of the enemy, losing one man wounded. On the 19th, 
it participated in the battle of Opequan Creek. Charging 
across Opequan Creek, and driving the enemy from its banks, 
it advanced to near Winchester, where it joined in the charge 
on the enemy's forces, driving them through the town. Tlie 
loss in the action was four killed, nineteen wounded, (among 
whom, and mortally, was Lieut. Col. Melvin Brewer, in com- 
mand of the regiment,) and two missing. On the 24th, the 
regiment was engaged near Luray, driving the enemy in con- 
fusion, and capturing 60 prisoners and a number of horses, its 
casualties being three wounded. On the 26th, 2Tth and 2Stli, 
it was engaged in skirmishing wdth the enemy near Port lie- 
public. It engaged the enemy on the Sth of October, near 
Woodstock, and on the 9th joined wi^h the corps in r(juting 
the rebel cavalry under Gen. Rosser. Its casualties were three 
wounded. On the 19th of October, at Cedar Creek, the regi- 
ment was attacked while on picket. The enemy, breaking 
through the infantry line on the left, struck the regiment in 
the rear. It suct^eeded, however, in making its escajie, and 
during the remainder of the day was hotly engaged on the 



GEAND EIVEE VALLEY. 353 

skirmisli line until tlie final charge on the enemy was made, in 
which it participated. In this charge it captured 100 pris- 
oners. Its loss was 4 wounded and 29 missing. It was en- 
camped near Middletown on the 31st of October, and was 
engaged in picket duty at Buck's Ford, on the Shenandoah 
River. 

The regiment was in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry 
Corps, Middle Military Division. Its officers were as follows: 

AUyne C. Litchfield, Colonel, March 1, 1864; Lt. Col., Nov. 14, 18G2; Capt. 
5th Cavalry, August 14, 1862. 

Georg-e G. Brigg-g, Lieut. Colonel, Oct. 12, 1864; Major, May 19, 1864; 
Capt., March 22, 1864; Adjutant, July 1, 1863; 1st Lt., October 15, 1862. 

Alexander Walker, Major, February 24, 1864; Captain, October 15, 1862. 

Daniel H. Darling, Major, March 22, 1864; 

Linus F. Warner, Major, October 12, 1S64; 

This regiment, on the 1st of November, 1864, Avas with 
General Sheridan's Army in the Shenandoah Yalley, and lay 
at Camp Kassell, near AVinchester, Ya., making preparations 
to go into winter quarters, and engaged on picket duty, and 
in making reconnoissance until Feb. 27th, 1865, when it broke 
camp and moved with the cavalry corps, towards Staunton, 
Ya., being the commencement of General Sheridan's cele- 
brated raid to the James River. On the 8th of March the 
regiment became engaged with a portion of Rosser's Cavalry 
near Louisa Court House, assisted in routing tlie rebel force, 
and capturing the town, in which was destroyed a large amount 
of property; the railroad depot, with rolling stock and tele- 
graph office, was also destroj^ed. The regiment also partici- 
pated in tearing up the track, and burning the railroad 
property along the line of the Lynchburg and Gordonsville 
Railroad, and in destroying and rendering useless the locks, 
aqueduct and mills, on the line of the James River Canal. 
The command reached White House Landing on the 19th of 
March, and soon after, with the cavalry corps, joined the 
Army of the Potomac and proceeded to the left of the line. 
On the 30th of March, the regiment became engaged with the 
rebel cavalry, and assisted in driving them within their works 
at Five Forks, The 31st of March and 1st of Aj)ril it was 

23 



354 MEMORIALS OF THE 

enscao^ed with the enemy at Five Forks and on the 2d at the 
South Side Raih-oad; on the 4tli, at Duck Pond Mills; on the 
6th, at the hattle of the Ridges, or Sailor's Creek, and on the 
8th and 9th at Appomattox Court House. After the surren- 
der of Lee, the regiment moved, with the cavalry corps, to 
Petershurg, Va., where it remained for a short time, and then 
went with the army into ISTorth Carolina. From thence it 
marched to Washington, D. C, and parricipated in the review 
of the Army of the Potomac on the 23d of May, and imme- 
diately thereafter with the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, was 
ordered West, and proceeded by rail, via the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, and Ohio and Mississippi Rivers by steamer, to St. 
Louis, and thence by steamer via the Missouri River, to Fort 
Leavenworth, where it was ascertained that the destination 
of the i-egiment was across the Plains, to the Rocky Moun- 
tains, to operate against the hostile Indians in that section 
of the country, and orders were received to that effect. 

These orders produced much justihable dissatisfaction, indi- 
cating as they did that another arduous campaign was laid 
out for the regiment, which, in consideration of its past long 
and faithful services, should have been spared it, especially as 
this campaign was for an object foreign to that for which it 
had entei'ed the service — the suppression of the Southern Re- 
bellion. But the regiment, rememl)ering its noble record, 
and adhering to its former high degree of discipline and sub- 
ordination, and having in view the honor of a State whose 
troops had never disgraced it, obeyed the orders and com- 
menced its March across the Plains, reaching Camp Collins. 
seventy miles west of Denver City, and at the base of the 
Rocky Mountains, on the 26th day of July, a distance of 70(» 
miles from Fort Leavenworth. The regiment was immediate- 
ly assigned to duty along the overland stage route, which was 
at that time so thoroughly invested by hostile Indians as to 
stop all coaches, mails and trains. The service rendei-ed by it 
was valuable, although laborious, succeeding in re-establishing 
the transit of mails and passengers, and in giving protection 
to emigrants. About the first of November it was ordered to 
transfer all the men of the command whose term of service 



GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 



355 



extended beyond the 1st of March, 1866, to tlie 1st Micliigaii 
Cavalry, and then report at Denver City for mnster out. Bv 
this order, about 250 men were transferred, being mostly nieu 
wlio were recruited in the winter of 186-1. On arriving at 
Denyer Citv, the regiment was ordered to Fort Leavenworth 
for muster out. It started on the 7th of [November, reaching 
there in 26 days. Great injustice was done the regiment by 
this order, as it directed that all Government horses should be 
turned over to the Quartermaster Department at Denver. 
The command was consequently expected to march across the 
plains on foot, at a time Mdien snow was upon the ground, and 
with only one \yagon for each hundred men — insufficient to 
carry their rations for three days, and through a country with 
no settlements and almost entirely destitute of wood. A state- 
ment of the matter was made to Major Gen'l Upton, com- 
manding at Denver, who declined to make any further provis- 
ison for transportation. Permission was obtained to allow 
the men to hire their transportation in mule trains, of whicli 
there were several returning to Fort Leavenworth, and which 
the Government might have hired. 

The men paid for this ti-ansportation $25 each, from their 
own private funds. At Fort Leavenworth the regiment was 
mustered out, the final papers made, and then was ordered to 
Michigan. It arrived at Jackson on the 20th, and was j)aid 
off and disbanded on the 25th of December. 



BATTLES AKD SKITJiriSHES. 



Thoroughfare Gap, Va., May 21, 1863. 



(xeenwieh, 

Hanover, 

Hunterstown, 

Gettysburg, 

Monterey, 

Cavetown 

Sniithtown, 

Boonsboro, 

Hasrerstown, 

Williamsport. 

Boonsboro, 

Hiigerstown. 

Williamsport, 

Falling Waters, 

Snicker's Gap, 

Kelley's Ford, 



30, 
" June " 
Penn., July 2, 



Md. 



Va., 



Sept. 



4, 

5, 

6, 

6, 

6, 

6, 

8, 

10, 

10, 

14. 

19, 

13, 



Culpepper Ct. House, Va., Sept. 14, 

1863. 
Raccoon Ford, Va., Sept. 16, 1863. 
White's Ford, " " 
Jack's Shop, " " 
James City, " Oct. 

Brandy Station.' " " 
Buckkmd's Mills, 
Stevensburg, 
Morton's Ford, 

Richmond, " Mar. 1.' 1864. 

Wilderness, 

Beaver Dam Station, Va., May 9, 
Yellow Tavern, Va., May 10, 11, 
Meadow Bridge, " " 12, 
Milford, " " 27, 

Hawes' Shop. Va., May 28, 1864. 



16, 
21, 
26, 
12, 
13, 
19, 
19, 
" 26, 
Mar. 1, 
Mav 6, 7, 



Nov 



356 



MEMOEIALS OF THE 



Baltimore X Roads, "Va., May 29, '64. 
Cold Harbor, Va., May 30, June 1, 

1864. 
Tievillian Station, Va., June 11, 12, 

1864. 



Cold Harbor, 


Va., July 21, 1864 


Winchester. 


" Aug. 11, " 


Front Royal, 


.. .." 16^ w 


Leetown, 


.. .. 25, " 


Shephardstown, 
Smith field. 


u .. 25, " 

.. u 29, " 


Berryville, 
Summitt, 


•' Sept. 3, " 
" " 4, " 


Opequan, 
Winchester, 


.. " 19, " 


Luray, 


" " 24, " 



Port Republic. Va., Sept. 26, 27, 28, 

1864. 
Mount Crawford, Va., Oct. 2, 1864, 
Woodstock, " " 9, " 

Cedar Creek, " " 19, 

Madison Ct. House," Dec. 24, 
Louisa Ct. House, " Mar. 8, 1865. 
Five Forks, Va., Mar. 30, 31, April 1, 

1865. 
South Side R. R., Va., April 2, 1865. 
Duck Pond Mills, " " 4, " 
Ridgfes or Sailor's Creek, Va., April 6, 

1865. 
Appomattox Ct. House, Va., April 8, 

9, 1865. 
Little Laramie, D. Ter., Aug. 1, 1864. 



TWENTY- FIKST INFANTKY. 



The Twentj-First had its rendezvous at Ionia, and was re- 
cruited from the Fourth District, comprising the counties of 
Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, I^Te- 
waygo, Mecosta, Mason, Manistee, Grand Traverse, LeeLanaw, 
Manitou, Osceola, Emmet, Mackinac, Delta and Cheboygan. 
J. B. Welch, Esq., was appointed commandant of camp. The 
regiment left its quarters on the 12th of September, 1008 
strong, with orders to report at Cincinnati. It was immedi- 
ately pushed into Kentucky, and on the 8th of October bore 
part in the engagement at Perryville, suffering in casualties, 
24 wounded (1 mortally) and 3 missing. On the 30th of 'No- 
vember, the regiment returned an aggregate of 971, present 
and absent. It was reported in 1862 at JS'ashville, in Gen. 
Hosecrans' army. - 

This regiment arrived at JSTashville, ISTovember 10th, 1862, 
and remained at that place until the general advance of Gen. 
Rosecrans' army on Murfreesboro. The Twenty-tirst left 
Xashville December 26th, with the army, and participated in 
the live days' battle at Stone River. It sustained a loss in this 
engagement, of 17 killed, 85 wounded, and 37 missing; a 
total of 139. The regiment remained at Murfreesboro, em- 
ployed on picket duty, and as guard for forage trains, until 
June 24th, when it advanced witli the army on Tallahoma. 
During July it was stationed at Cowan and Anderson Station, 
on the Nashville and Cumberland railroad. Subsequently, it 
occupied Bridgeport, under Gen. Lyttle, who commanded the 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 357 

brigade to which the Twenty-first was attached. September 
2d, the regiment crossed the Tennessee, and advanced with the 
corps of Maj, Gen. McCook, to Trenton, Ga., from whence it 
crossed the mountains to Alpine, 30 miles from Rome, thence 
made a forced, march toward Chattanooga, between the moun- 
tain ranges, and came into hne of battle at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 19th. The following day the regiment participated 
in the battle of Chickamauga, sustaining a loss of killed, 11, 
wounded 58, missing 35, prisoners 3; total, 107. Of the miss- 
ing, 21 were known to be wounded. Among the wounded 
and captured was the colonel of the regiment, while the second 
in command was killed. After the battle, the regiment moved 
into Chattanooga. 

At the battle of Chickamauga, the regiment was in the 2d 
Division, 4th Corps.' It has since been detached, and forms 
part of the Engineer Brigade, under coirmand of Gen. Smith, 
Chief Engineer of the Army of the Cumberland. 

This regiment was attached, after the battle of Chattanooga, 
to the Engineer Brigade. It was stationed, until the 11th of 
June, 1864, on the north side of the Tennessee river, near Chat- 
tanooga, and was employed in building abridge over the river, 
and in the erection of storehouses in Chattanooga, At the 
above date, the regiment ^vas ordered to Lookout Mountain, 
where it was engaged in building hospitals, running mills, and 
in the performance of the usual picket duty, until the 20th of 
September, when it was i-elieved from further duty with tlu; 
Engineer Corps. On the 27tli of September, the regiment 
left Lookout Mountain for Tullahoma, thence it proceeded to 
JSTashville. Joining the forces under Gen. Rousseau, it par- 
ticipated with them in the pursuit of the rebels under Gen. 
Forrest, beyond Florence, Ala., returning to Florence on the 
11th of October. On the 14th the regiment was ordered to 
Chattanooga, and on the 18th to proceed to and garrison Dal- 
ton, Ga. On the 30th of October, the regiment was relieved 
at Dalton, and was ordered to join its corps. During the year 
it has traveled between 480 and 500 miles. 

The regiment is in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Corps, 
Army of the Cumberland. 



358 MEMORIALS OF THE 

SECOXD CAVALRY. 

This regiment, organized by Hon. F. W. Kellogg, at Grand 
Rapids, left its camp at that place on the litli of November, 
1861, and took its route to St. Louis. Its muster in rolls con- 
tained 1,163 names, and its returns show that to the 1st of 
July there had belonged to it 1,200 officers and enlisted men. 
It was fe%ati/ned during the winter at Benton Barracks, St. 
Louis, leaving there in March to take part in the operations at 
and about New Madrid and Island No. Ten, In May and 
June, it was at Farmington, Miss., and remained in that State 
until ordered to Louisville, in October. It has been actively 
employed in usual cavalry service, and has done a large amount 
of scouting and skirmishing. On the 31st of October, the 
regiment had an aggregate of 794. Its last communication to 
this department was dated at New Market, Ky., November 11. 

During November, 1862, this regiment was stationed in 
Kentucky. In December and January it participated in the 
raid under Gen. Carter, into East Tennessee, severing the en- 
emy's communications and destroying his stores. During this 
affair, which occupied twenty-two days, the regiment was en- 
gaged in several severe skirmishes. Soon afterward, it pro- 
ceeded to Louisville, and from thence, February 3d, to Nash- 
ville, Tenn. During February and March, it was stationed at 
Murfreesboro and Franklin. It made many important recon- 
noissances on the roads leading out of these places, and had 
numerous skirmishes with the rebels. 

In February, it was engaged on the 18th, near Milton ; on 
the 19th at Cainsville, and on the 27th, near Spring tlill. 
On the 4th and 5tli of March, it had a severe skirmish with 
the enemy, under Generals VanDorn and Forrest, on the 
Columbia Pike, the regiment losing one killed, four wounded, 
and one captured. From the 8th to the 12th, it participated 
in an important reconnoissance, during which the enemy were 
driven across Duck Kiver. March 25th, it had a sharp encoun- 
ter with a large force of rebels under Stearns and Forrest, 
killing and wounding a large number of the enemy, and cap- 
turing 52 prisoners and a number of wagons loaded with arms, 
ammunition and baggage, with a loss to the regiment of one 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 35'J 

died of wounds, six vvounded and two missing. Ou tlie 4tli 
of June, while returning to Franklin from Triune, it had a 
brisk skirmish, with a loss of two killed and three wounded. 
Marching to Triune on the 6th, it remained at that point nutil 
the advance of the army from Murfreesboro, when it moved 
forward with the Cavahy Division to which it Avas attached. 
On the 23d, it was engaged at Rover. On the 2J:th, it drov^e 
the enemy through Middletown, and on the 27th, charged the 
rebels into Shelby ville. On the 2d of July, it aided in driv- 
ino- the enemv from Elk River Ford, and on the 3d, from 
Cowan. In the early part of September, the regiment was 
actively engaged iii scouting, among the mountains near 
Chattanooga, and in northern Georgia. Leaving Rankin's 
Ferry, on the Tennessee, October 3d, the regiment participated 
in the chase after the rebel cavalry under Gen. Wheeler, who 
were then engaged in making a raid on the communications 
of the army. During the pursuit of Wheeler, the regiment 
crossed the Cumberland mountains, marching on the 3d, 4th 
and 5th of October, 103 miles, and on the 6th, Ttli and Sth, 82 
miles, the greater portion of the distance over rough and 
mountainons roads. October 31st, the regiment was encamped 
at Winchester. During the year it has killed and disabled a 
large number of the enemy, and captured many prisoners, 
horses, wagons, etc. 

The regiment is in the 1st brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, 
Army of the Cumberland. 

At the commencement of the year, the Second Cavalry was 
encamped at Winchester, Tenn., whence it proceeded on a for- 
aging expedition to Fayetteville, securing about 400 bushels 
of wheat, 65 head of beef cattle, between 500 and 600 sheep 
and a number of horses and mules, Leaving Winchester on 
the 16th, the regiment moved, via. Shelbyville, Murfreesboro 
and Milton, to Liberty, thence to Sparta, and over the Cum- 
berland Mountains and through Crossville, Kingston and 
Knoxville, to Strawberry Plains, in East Temiessee, fording the 
Holston River, and arriving at its destination on tlie ITth of 
December. On the 23d, the regiment marched, via. liew 
Market, to Dandridge, where, at daylight on the 24th, it par- 



360 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ticipated in an attack on a superior force of the enemy. Tlie 
fight lasted during the day, tbe Union forces falling back at 
night to 'New Market. The loss of the reghnent was 2 killed, 
8 wounded and 10 taken prisoners. On the 25th, the regiment 
encamped at Mossy Creek. It remained at and near this 
place until the 14th of January, 1864, having on the 29th of 
December a skirmish with the rebels, in which its casualties 
were 1 killed, 1 wounded and 2 taken prisoners. On the 14tli 
of January, the regiment marched to Dandridge, and on the 
17th skirmished with the enemy, wlio were advancing on 
Knoxville under Gen. Lono-street. On the 19lh, the reo-iment 
fell back to Knoxville, and again crossing the Holston River, 
it bivouacked on the 23d on Flat Creek, and on the 26th on 
Pigeon River. Marching at midnight on the 26th. it partici- 
pated in an attack the next day on a brigade of rebel cavalry, 
from wliom it captured 3 pieces of artillery and 75 prisoners, 
the loss of the reg-iment being 11 wounded and 2 missiuir. On 
the 4tli of March the regiment arrived at Calhoun, and on the 
12th at Cleveland, Tenn. On the 29th of March, three hun- 
dred and twenty-eight of the regiment re-enlisted and were 
mustered in as veteran volunteers. On the 14th of April 
these veterans left Cleveland for Michigan, and on arrival at 
Jackson were furloughed for thirty days. Breaking camp at 
Cleveland on the 3d of May, the regiment moved with the 
army under Gen. Sherman on the Georgia campaign, and on 
the 11th marched through Tunnel Hill to Dug Gap. It passed 
through the Gap on the 13th, skirmishing with the enemy. 
On the following day, while in advance, it lost in a skirmish, 
1 killed and 3 wounded. The regiment constructed breast- 
works at Tilton on the 15th, but the next day it crossed the 
Coosa M'aters and continued the advance, arriving at Cassville 
Station on the 20tli. On the 23d it forded the Etawah. In 
successive skirmishes it lost 2 men wounded on the 24th. 2 
more on the 26th, and on the 27th it lost 1 wounded and 2 
missing; 5 men wore also wounded on the 2Sth. On the 2d 
and 5th the regiment skirmished with the enemy on the Ack- 
worth and Dallas road, and on the 17th reached the summit 
of Lost Mountain. On the 29th of June the regiment moved 



GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 361 

by railroad to Franklin, Tenn., where it arrived on the 10th 
of Julj. It Avas here joined by the re-enlisted men who iiad 
returned to the State on veteran furlough. From the latter 
date to the 29th of August the regiment was employed in 
ffuardino- the railroad from JSTashville to Kutherford's Creek, 
whence it marched to Nashville, and on the 30tli moved out 
on the Murfreesboro road in pursuit of the forces under the 
rebel Genei-al Wheeler. Meeting the enemy twelve miles 
from ITashvilie, it charged and drove them several miles. 
From this time to the 8tli of September the regiment was en- 
gaged in the pursuit of Wheeler's forces, skirmishing with 
them near Campbellville on the 5th of September. On the 
7th, the regiment arrived at Florence, Ala., and again returned 
to Franklin on the 12tli. On the 25th it started from Franklin 
in pursuit of the forces of Gen. Forrest, who was then engaged 
in a raid through Tennessee, and on tlie 2Tth engaged them 
during the day. The command marched, via. Connersville, 
Shelbyville and Tullahoraa, to Winchester, thence by ITor- 
mandy, Lewisburg, Shelbyville, Mooresville and Tallerea, to 
Florence, Ala., where it arrived on the 5tli of October. On 
the 7th, it engaged the enemy on Cypress River, losing 2 
killed, 3 wounded and 1 taken prisoner. The regiment then 
inarched by Pulaski, Rodgersville and Marmion, to Four Mile 
Creek, Ala., where it encamped from the 17tli to the 29th, 
when the rebel army under Gen. Hood crossed the Tennessee. 
The regiment was engaged during the remainder of the month, 
with its hrio^ade, in checkino;- the rebel advances. On the 3d, 
it encountered the enemy, but was obliged to retire. On the 
31st of October the regiment marched to Sugar Creek. Dur- 
iiig the year the regiment marched ov^er 1,364 miles, exclusive 
of marches when on picket and patrol duty. 

The regiment was in the 1st Brigade, 1st Cav. Div., Army 
of the Cumberland. 

The regiment was serving in Tennessee, Oct. 31, 1864. On 
November 1st, it marched from Blue Waters towards Shoal 
Creek, Alabama, and w^as attacked by the enemy at that point 
on the 5th, and after a gallant defense was forced back to Four 
Mile Creek, sustaining a heavy loss. From the 9th to the 14th, 



362 MEMORIALS OF THE 

it was in camp doing ordinary scouting and picket dut}'. On 
the loth it broke camp, and made a reconnoissance to the right 
of its position, and encamped at Taylor's Springs, and remained 
there until the 20tli, when it marched to Lexington, Tenn., 
and on tlie 21st to Lawrenceburg, where it was attacked by the 
enemy on tlie afternoon of that day, and fell back towards 
Campbellsville and near Columbia, skirmishing at both these 
points. The 25th, it crossed Duck Eiver, and the 28th, was 
in line of battle near the Lewisburg Pike. Ou the 29th, it 
retired to Spring Hill, and was engaged in skirmishing during 
the day at that place and at Bethesda Church. On the 30th, it 
was engaged at Franklin, lighting all day, sustaining a loss of 
one killed, se\^enteen wounded and three missing. The regi- 
ment marched from near Fraidvlin, December 1st, to within a 
few miles of Nasliville, and was in line of battle during the 
nio-ht. On the 2d, passed tliroui>:h that citv, crossing the Cum- 
berland riv^er, went into camp at Edgelield, and remained there 
until the 12tli, when it recrossed the Cumberland, passing 
through Nashville, and encamped on the Charlotte Pike. On 
the iSth it advanced about two miles, dismounted and skir- 
mished during that day and next; at sunset mounted and pro- 
ceeded in the direction of the Ilarpeth River, swimming that 
stream, and thence marching to Spring Hill. Crossing Duck 
Iliver on the 23d, and passing tlirough Columbia, on tlie 21:th 
it met the enemy at Eichland Creek, and fought him all day, 
charging and driving him sixteen miles, losing one killed and 
six wounded; skirmishing at Pulaski on the 25th, and at Sugar 
Creek on the 26th, passing Taylor's Springs on the 28th, reach- 
ino- AVaterloo on the 31st, remainino- there until the 17th Jan- 
nary, 1865, when it broke camp, crossing the Tennessee River, 
and passing through Eastport, luka and Burnsville, Miss., tak- 
ing six prisoners; thence proceeded to Corinth and Farming- 
ton on the 19th. and returning via Iuk;i, taking hve ])risoners; 
and thence via Eastport, crossing the Tennessee river, reached 
AVaterloo on 21st, and reuiained there until March 11th, when 
breaking camp, it recrossed the Tennessee river, marched to 
Chickasaw, Ala., and was there in camp until the 22(l,w]ien it 
again broke camp, passing through Frankfurt: and Russellville 



GBAND KIVEK VALLEY. 



J63 



on the 24th, crossed Big- Ford Creek on the 25th, reaching- 
Eldridge on the 26t]i, passed Jasper and crossed the Mulberry 
river on the 28th, and Bhxck Warrior river on the 29th, and 
on the 30th reached Elj'ton. Crossed Black Warrior again on 
^Vpril 1st, at Johnston's Ferrv, swimming the horses. Skir- 
mished with the enemy on the 2d, at Trion, and on the 3d ar- 
rived at Tuscaloosa, surprising and taking prisoners the pick- 
ets, capturing the city, three cannon, and taking a large nnm- 
her of prisoners. After destroying a large number of build- 
ings containing rebel stores, and burning the bridge, the regi- 
ment marched to Bridgeville, where it was attacked oh the 
tUli, and after a brisk engagement, with a loss of three wounded, 
repulsed the enemy. Continuing the march towards Korth- 
port, passed it and Windham's Springs. On the 13tli, crossed 
Wolf Creek; on the 14tli, Lost Creek and Black Water; on the 
19th, Black Warrioi', and the Coosa at Luff's Ferry; on the 
22d, reaching Talladaga. Skirmished with Gen. Hill's brigade 
on the 23d, losing two killed, and taking one j)iece of artillery. 
Crossed a branch of the Talladaga on the 24:th, and the Talla- 
poosa on the 25th, passing through Bowden, Ga. Crossing 
the Chattahoochie on the 26th, and marching, via Neroman 
and Forsyth, arriving. May 1st, at Macon, where it remained 
in camp until July ITth, when the regiment was broken up 
into detachments, which were sent to garrison Perry, Thorn as - 
ton, Barnsville, Forsyth and Milledgeville, two companies, 
with the headquarters, remaining at Macon. On the 17th of 
August it was mustered out of service, and arrived in the State 
August 26th, and was paid off and disbanded at Jackson. 



BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES. 



Point Pleasaut, Mo., March 9, 1862. 
Tipton ville, ': " — , " 

Kew Madrid, " " 13, "' 

Island No. 10, " March 14 to 

April 7th. 1862. 
Pine Hill, Miss., May 2, 1862. 
Monterey, " " 3, " 
Farmiuoton, " " 5, " 
Sietfe of Corinth, Miss., May 10 to 30, 

' 1862. 
Boon ville. Miss., June 1, 1862. 
F.lackland, " " 5, " 

Baldmn, " " — , " 



BoonTille, " July 1, " 
Reinzi, " Aug.-, " 

Perrj-ville, Ky., Oct. 8, 186-^, 
Harodsburg, " " 10, " 
Lancaster, " " 12, " 
Rocastle River, Kv., Oct. — , 1862. 
Estill ville, Va., 1862. 
Blountsville, Tenn., 1862. 
ZoUicoffer, " " 

Watanaga, " " 

Joneswlte, Va.. 1862. 
Bacon Creek, Ky„ Dec. 24, 1862. 
Glasgow, " " — , " 



364 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



Milton, Tenn., Feb. 18; 1863. 
€ainesville, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1863. 
Spring- Hill, " " 29, *' 

Columbia, " March 4, 5, 1863. 
Hillsboro, " " 12, " 

Brentwood, " " 25. " 

McGarvick's Ford, Tenn., April, 1863. 
Triune, Tenn., June 4, 1863. 
Eover, " " 23, " 

Middletown, Tenn., June 24, 1863. 
Shelby ville, " *• 27, " 
Elk River Fork, Tenn., July 2, 1863. 
Dechard, Tenn., July 4, 1863. 
Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 18, 19, 20, 

1863. 
Anderson X Roads, Tenn., Oct., 1863. 
Sparta. Tenn., Dec. 1863. 
Dandridge, Tenn., Dec. 24, 1863. 
Mossy Creek, '* *' 29, " 

Dandridire, " Jan. 17, 1864. 
Pigeon River, " '' 27, " 
Dug Gap, Ga., May 13, 14, " 
RedClav, " " 1864. 
Ettowa River, Ga., May 24, 27, 27, 

28, 1864. 



Ackworth, Tenn., June 2, 5, 1864. 
Nashville, " Aug. 30, 
Campbellsville, Tenn., Sept. 5, 1864. 
Franklin. " " 27, " 

Cypx-ess River, " Oct. 7, " 
R"accoon Ford, " " 30, " 

shoal Creek, " Nov. 5, " 

Lawrenceburg, " " 21, " 

Campbellsville, " " 24, " 
Columbici, " " 25,26,27, 

1864. 
Spring Hill, Tenn., Nov. 29. 1864. 
Bethesda Church, Tenn., Nov- 29, 

1864. 
Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. 
Nashville, " Dec 15, 16, 1864. 
Richland Creek, Tenn., Dec. 24, 1864. 
Pulaski. " " 25, " 

Sugar Creek, " "26, " 

Priceton Yard, " Jan. 6, 1865. 
Corinth, Miss., Feb., 1865. 
Tusciiloosa, Ala., April 1, 1865. 
Trion, " " 2, " 

Bridgeville, •' " 6, " 

Talladaga " " 23, " 



THIKD CAVALKY. 

The Third Cavalry, recruited at the same time, and in ren- 
dezvous at the same place as the Second, left Grand Eapids 
November 28th, 1861, with 1,163 names on its muster-in rolls. 
It was at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, during the winter, and 
has. since participated in engagements at New Madrid, Marcli 
13, 1862; Farmington, June 5; luka, September 19; Corinth, 
October 3 and 4; Hatchie, October 6; Spangler's Mills, July 
26; Bay Springs, September 10; Holly Springs, INovemberT; 
Lumkin's Mills, November 29; Oxford, December 2; Coffee- 
ville, December 5; and in the seiges of Island No. 10 and 
Corinth. Besides what have been taken while co-operating 
with other regiments, the 3d has captured 3 lieutenant- 
colonels, 2 majors, 13 captains, 19 lieutenants and 1,249 pri- 
vates. 

On the 30th of November, the strength of the regiment was 
971. It was stationed on the 13th of December, at Water 
Valley, Mississippi. The officers are: 

JohnK. Mizner, Colonel, March 7, 1862; , Lt. Colonel; Gilbert 

Meyers, Major, February 27, 1862; Thomas Saylor, Major. July 12, 1862. 
Lyman G. Wilcox, Major-, October 1, 1862; , Chaplain. 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 365. 

This regiment has been actively engaged during the year in 
Western Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. Some of the 
])rincipal battles and skirmishes in which the regiment has 
participated since November 1st, 1862, occurred at Iludson- 
ville, Nov. 14, 1862; Holly Springs, Nov. 19th; Lumkin's 
Mills, Nov. 30th; Oxford, Dec. 2d; Coffeeville, Dec. 5th; 
Brownsville, January 14th, 1863; Clifton, Feb'y 20th; Panola, 
July 20th; Grenada, Aug. 14th; Byhalia, Oct 12th, andWyatt's 
Ford, Tallahatchie River, Oct. 13th, 1863. In addition to these 
principal engagements, the regiment has participated in a 
large number of skirmishes of minor importance. In the affair 
at Grenada, the Third was in the advance. It gained posses- 
sion of the toAvn after a sharp engagement, and immediately 
commenced the destruction of the enemy's ' machinery and 
rolling stock, accumulated at this point. Over sixty locomo- 
tives, and more than four hundred cars were destroyed. At 
Byhalia and Wj^att's Ford, the regiment was warmly engaged. 
In these actions, the enemy was completely routed, with large 
loss. The Third Cavalry aided largely in driving the notorious 
rebels, Richardson, Dawson and Cushman from West Tennes- 
see, together with numerous bands of guerrillas that infested 
that section, and who were destroyed or dispersed by it. 
"Since November 1st, 1862, the regiment has captured an ag- 
gregate of 1,100 prisoners, nearly 50 of whom were commis- 
sioned officers, making the number of 2,100 prisoners taken 
from the enemy by the Third, since it went into the field." 
"• During the year, the regiment has marched a distance of 
10,800 miles, exclusive of marches by separate companies and 
detachments." It is armed with Colt's five-shooting rifles and 
revolvers. A light battery of 12-pound howitzers,- commanded 
by one of the officers of the Third, is attached to the regiment. 

During November and December, 1863, this regiment was 
almost constantly engaged in scouting and in various expedi- 
tions through Northern Mississippi and Western Tennessee, 
visiting most of the important places in that section. It had 
frequent encounters with the enemy's forces under Generals 
Forrest and Chalmers, Engagements and skirmishes in which 
the regiment participated, occurred at Ripley, Miss., Novem- 



366 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ber 29tli, Orizaba, Miss., E'ovember 30th, Ellisto\?n, Miss., De- 
■eember 3d. Purdy, Tenn., December 22d, and Jack's Creek, 
Tenn., December 24tli. During the period mentioned the reg- 
iment is reported to have marched over one thousand miles. 
On the 1st of »Jannary, 1864, tlie Third arrived at LaClrange, 
Tenn., where it commenced buikling winter quarters. On the 
19th of January, tlie required number ^-e-enh'sted, and on tlie 
27tli Avere mustered in as veteran volunteers. On the 29tli 
the reo^iment left LaGrana-e for Michiiran, arrivino- at Detroit 
on the 7th of February. The regiment rendezvoused at Kala- 
mazoo at ths expiration of its furlough of thirty days, where 
it was joined l\y a large number of recruits. Leaving Kala- 
mazoo, it proceeded to vSt. Louis, Mo. It remained there nearly 
two montlis awaiting tlie arrival of horses, arms and equi])- 
ments. During the greater portion of this time it was em- 
ployed on provost duty in the city. Although still di.smounted, 
the regiment left St. Louis on the ISthof May, and proceeded 
to Little Kock, Ark., where it arrived on the 24th, and reported 
to Maj. Gen. Steele. It was mounted on the 1st of August, 
?ind soon thereafter became eng^aofed in scoutino; throuMi the 
State. It assisted in driving the rebel General Shelby beyond 
the Arkansas River, in dispersing the bands of guerrillas that 
infested the country, and captured over 800 head of cattle. 
The regiment is now armed with the Spencer repeating carT)ine, 
and on the 1st of ]S[ovember, 1864, was stationed at Browns- 
ville, Ark. 

The regiment is in the 4th Brigade, Cavalry Division, 7th 
Corps. John K. Mizner, Colonel, March 7, 1862. 

THIRD CAVALRY. 

During the months of November, 1864, and February, 1865, 
this regiment constituted the garri.:on of the post at Browns- 
\ille Station, on the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad, and 
was also occupied in scouting along the line of that road, mak- 
ing several expeditions as far south as Arkansas Post, on the 
Arkansas river, collecting large droves of cattle, and thereby 
furnishing nearly all the beef required for the supply of the 
entire army, then serving in the Department of Arkansas. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY, 367 

At Brownsville Station the regiment erected a complete set of 
winter quarters and stables, so neatly and tastefully arranged 
as to present the appearance of an important town, wdiich 
attracted so much attention as to result in a change of its name 
from " Brownsville Station," to " Michigan City." The very 
active duty of the regiment at that time was so conducive to 
the health of the men, that 1,008 were daily reported present 
for duty, and less than three per cent, were on the sick list. 
Early in February the regiment was selected to constitute part 
of a division then l)eing organized for active and important 
service in early spring, and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 
1st Division, Ttli Army Corps, and moved to Brownsville. On 
the 14th of March the lu'igade was transferred from the Depart- 
ment of Arkansas to the Military Division of West Missis- 
sippi, to join the troops under Major General Canby, designed 
to operate against Mobile, and the regiment proceeded by 
steamer to TnTcw Orleans, arriving at Carrolton, La., March 23d, 
and embarked for Mobile early in April. After the fall of 
Mol)ile, it was employed on outpost duty until the surrender 
of the Confederate forces east of the Mississippi river, when 
the regiment was selected as the escort of Major General Canln* 
on the occasion of his receiving the formal surrender of the 
rebel General Taylor and his army. It left Mobile May 8, 
and marched across the country to Baton Rouge, La., reaching 
there on the 22d. When Major General Sheridan assumed 
the command of the Military Division of the Southwest, the 
regiment was selected and ordered to report to him for duty, 
and was immediately prepared to join the expedition to Texas, 
and left Baton Rouge for Shreveport, June 10th, and com- 
menced its march into Texas from the latter place July 10th, 
traversing two-thirds the breadth of that State, arriving on 
the 2d of August at San Antonio. At that point the regiment 
was stationed, performing garrison duty and employed in the 
necessary scouting for the protection of the frontier as far as 
the Rio Grande, on the Mexican border, and in furnishing 
escorts for supply trains. The regiment comprised a part of 
the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Military Division of the 
Gulf, and had its head -quarters at San Antonio until February 



368 



MEMOKIALS OF THE 



15th, 1866, wlien it was dismounted, mustered out of service, 
and proceeded, via Victoria, to Indianola, on foot, and thence 
bj steamer to New Orleans and Cairo, wliere-it took rail for 
Jackson, Midi., arriving there March 10th, and on the 15th 
was paid off and disbanded. 



I5ATTLES AND SKIRMISHES. 



New Madrid, Mo., March 13, 1862. 
Siege of Island No. 10, Mo., March 

14 to April. 7, 1862. 
Fannin ffton, Miss., May 5, 1862. 
Siege of Corinth," " 10, to31, 1862. 
Spano:ler's Mills, Miss., July 26, " 
Bay Spring, " Sept. 10. " 

luka, " " 19, " 

Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3 and 4, " 

Hatchie, " "6, " 

Holly Springs, Miss., Nov. 7, " 
Hudsonville, " " 14, " 

Lumkin's Mills, " " 29, " 



Oxford, Mississippi, 


Dec. 2, 


1862 


Cotfeeville, " 


" 5, 


" 


Brownsville, ■ " 


Jan. 14, 


1863 


Clifton, 


Feb. 10, 




Panola, " 


July 20, 




Grenada, ' ' 


Aug. 14, 




Byhalia, " 


Oct. 12, 




Wvatt'sFord, " 


" 13, 




Ripley, " 


Nov. 29, 




Orizaba, " 


" 30, 




EUistown, " 


Dec. 3, 




Purdy, 


" 22, 




Jack's Creek, " 


" 24, 





TENTH CAVALRY. 

The tenth regiment of Michigan Cavah-y has been raised 
during the year, under authority given by the War Depart- 
ment, to Hon. F. W. Kellogg. It was in rendezvous at Grand 
Ilapids, and left its camp there on the first of December, for 
Lexington, Kentucky, with a force on its muster-in rolls of 
012, and the following commissioned officers: 

Thaddeus Foote, Colonel, Sept. 5, 1863; Major, 6th Cav., Oct. 3, 1862. 

Luther S. Trowbridge, Lieut. Col., Aug. 25, 1863; Major, 5th Cav., Sept. 
2, 1862. 

Israel C. Smith, Major, Aug. 23. 1863; Capt., 3d Infantry, Jan. 1, 1862. 

Cicero Newell, Major, Aug. 19, 1863; Capt., 3d Cav., April 1, 1862; 1st 
Lieut., Sept. 7, 1861. 

The Tenth Cavalry left its rendezvous at Grand Rapids, on 
the 1st of December, 1863, for Lexington, Ky., whence it 
marched to Camp Nelson on the 13th. It here encamped 
until the 25tli of January, 1864, when it moved to Burnside 
Point. It remained at this place from the 2d to the 29th of 
February, when it proceeded to Knoxville, and thence, March 
]6th, to Strawberry Plains. On the 24th of April, the regi- 
ment was ordered to proceed thence to Carter's Station, and 
destroy the railroad bridge over the "VVatauga Hiver. Reach- 



GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 369 

iiig Carter-s Station on tlie 25tli, after a severe engagement, it 
drove tlie eneraj from a strong position occupied by them, but 
the rebels being posted in heavy force in fortifications on the 
opposite bank of the river, it was impossible to destroy the 
bridge without great loss of life, and the regiment was directed 
to retire. The casualties in this engagement were three killed, 
eight wounded and three missing. 

On the 28tli of May, 160 of the regiment engaged in a rec- 
onnoissance, proceeding to Bull's Gap and Greenville. En- 
countering a force of the enemy, the battalion engaged and 
routed them with severe loss, killing and wounding a large 
number, and capturing 26 prisoners and a number of horses 
and mules. During the month of. July and the early part of 
August, detachments of the regiment were constantl}^ engaged 
in scouting and pursuing small bands of the enemy in East 
Tennessee. On the 23d, the regiment took port in an engage- 
ment with a. rebel brigade, at Blue Springs, and after a sharp 
fight, assis'jed in forcing the enemy from a strong position and 
in driving them in confusion through Greenville. The casual- 
ties of the regiment were six wounded, two of whom died of 
their wounds. Having moved through Rogersville, Bean's 
Station and Bull's Gap, the regiment returned to Strawberry 
Plains on the 31st. During its absence, on the 24th, the de- 
tachment, numbering 60 men, left in garrison, with about 150 
from other commands, were attacked by the rebel ca\'alry corps 
under Wheeler, numbering from 6,000 to 8,000 men, with nine 
pieces of artillery. The Union troops made a successful de- 
fense against this force, and thus saved the post from capture, 
and the great railroad bridge from destruction. Eight men 
held the ford for three hours, and prevented a rebel brigade 
from crossing, and surrendered only after they were surrounded. 
Three men were wounded during the day. On the same day 
(24:th), the detachment left at Knoxville, charged a rebel reg- 
iment (11th Texas), near Flat Creek Bridge, and routed it, cap- 
turing its colonel and other prisoners, but coming suddenly on 
one of the enemy's cavalry divisions in line of battle, it retired. 
The enemy pursued, and succeeded in recapturing their men 
and in taking a number of prisoners from the detachment. On 

24 



370 MEMORIALS OF THE 

the 4th of September the reghuent participated in tlie surpris- 
ing: «"d routino; of Gen. Jolm H. Morgan's forces at Green- 
ville. In this engagement. Gen. Morgan AVas killed and a large 
nninber of his men captured, among whom were Morgan's 
staif. On the 30tli of September, the regiment assisted in 
driving the enemy from their position at Carter's Station, 
Durins: this month it was constantly eno-ao-ed in scouting and 
in pursuing the forces of Morgan and AVheeler. In October, 
it was employed in picket and in scouting. 

The regiment is in the 2d Brigade, -tth Division, 23d Corps, 
Army of the Ohio. Its officers are as fuUoAvs: 

Luther S. Tvowlmdge, Colonel, July 25, 18G4; Lt. Col., August 25, 1863; 

Mtijor 5th Cav., September 2, 1862; Lieut. Colonel; Majors, 

Israel C. Smith, Cicero Newell, John H. Standish. 

This regiment was stationed at Strawberry Plains, in East 
Tennessee, Xov. 1, 1864, engaged in fortitying that point and 
in the usual routine of camp duty and occasional sconting. 
On the IGth, Gen, Breckinridge, with a large rebel force, made 
his appearance in front of the garrison, and on the 17th com- 
menced a vigorous attack with artillery from the opposite side 
of the Holston river, and at the same time threatening it in 
the rear with a heavy cavalry force. Constant skirmishing and 
occasional artillery firing was kept up for four days, the enemy 
l)eing repulsed on the 24th, when he withdrew. During the 
remaining portion of the month and up to Dec. Gth, the regi- 
ment was employed in constructing fortifications at that point, 
when, on the receipt of orders, marched to Knoxville, and 
soon after made an expedition to Saltville, Va,, and destroyed 
the salt works at that point, being engaged with the enemy at 
Kingsport, December 12th; at Bristol, December 14th, and at 
Saltville, December 20tli, Returning to Knoxville, it had a 
skirmish at Chucky Bend, January 10th, 1865, Ttemainingat 
Knoxville until March 21st, the brigade to which it was attached 
marched to upper East Tennessee, under the command of Bre- 
vet Brig. Gen. Palmer. Joining the expedition under Gen. 
Stoncman, in his raid into North Carolina, the regiment was 
engaged with the enemy at Brobson's Mills on the 25th, and 



GRAND RITER VALI.ET. 371 

at Boonville, j^. C, on the 27tli. Proceeding via Wilkesboro, 
and thence down to Yadkin river, in the direction of Salisbury, 
reaching the Tennessee and Virginia railroad at Christians- 
hnrg, April 5th, it assisted in destroying over one liundred 
miles of that railroad, too-ether with the bridfjes. This acconi- 
plished, the regiment made a rapid march of ninety -hve miles, 
to Henry Court House, making the distance in twenty-two 
liours. At that point it became engaged with a superior force 
of the enemy's cavalry and infantry on the 8th, which, after a 
brisk fight, retired, the regiment losing in the affair Lieut. 
Kenyon and three men, killed, and one officer and three men 
severely wounded, the loss of the enemy not being ascertained. 
Next morning the regiment moved southward, destroying the 
railroad and bridges north of Salisbury, at Abbott's creek, on 
the J 0th, encountering a superior force at that point, consist- 
ing of cavalry and infantry, which, after a very obstinate con- 
test of three hours, retired. It was also engaged at High 
Point on the same day. During the day the main body of the 
command captured Salisbury, and destro3^ed a large amount of 
stores. The regiment was then ordered to proceed along the 
Catawba river, and was emplo^'ed in picking up bands of rebel 
cavalry while endeavoring to make their escape, and was en- 
gaged in skirjnishes at Statesville on the 14th, and at I^ewton 
on the ITth. Information having been received of the surren- 
rler of Johnston, the regiment commenced a scout for the pur- 
pose of intercepting JeiFerson Davis, who was then supposed 
to be making his escape in some direction ; but soon after it 
was ordered to proceed via Stevenson, Ala., to Tennessee, where 
it serv^ed until November 11th, when it was mustered out of 
service, at Memphis, and returned to Michigan, arriving on 
the 15th at Jackson. 

The reports of the operations of this regiment being very 
meagre and indefinite, it is ])resumed that much of the services 
rendei-ed by it are not covered by the foregoing sketch, as it is 
known to have been very actively employed. 

BATTLES AND SKIKMISIIES. 

House Mountain, Tenn.. Jan., 1864. I Rheatown, Tenn., Mar. 24, 1864. 
13ean's Gap, Tenn., Mar. 26, 18G4. | .Toncsboro, " " 25, " 



372 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



Johnsonville, Tenn., Mar. 25, 1864. 
Watanga " '"26, " 

Powder Spring Gap, Tenn.. Apr. 28, 

1864. 
Dandridge, Tenn., May 19, 1864. 



GrepnvilTe, * ' 


"• 


30, 


White Horn, " 


"• 


81, 


Morristown, " 


June 


2, 


Bean's Statn, " 


(t 


16, 


Rogersville, " 


<( 


17, 


Kingsport, " 


(( 


18, 


Cany Branch, " 


11 


20, 


New Market, " 


" 


21, 


Moseburg, " 


" 


28, 


Will'msFord, " 


u 


25, 


Dutch Bottom," 


" 


28, 


Sevier ville, " 


July 


5, 


Newport, " 




8, 


Morristown, ' ' 


Aug 


3, 


Greenville, " 




4, 


Mossy Creek, " 


" 


18, 


Bull Gap, 


11 


21, 


Blue f^pring, " 


(( 


23, 


Greenville, " 


t( 


23, 



Strawberry Plains, Tenn., A.ug. 24, 

1864. 
Flat Creek Bridge, Tenn., Aug. 24, 

1864. 



Rogersville, Tenn., Aug. 27, 1864. 



BuU Gap, 
Greenville, 
Sweet Water, 
Thorn Hill, 
Sevierville, 
Jonesboro, 



Sept. 



29, 

4, 

10, 

10, 

18, 

20, 



Johnson Station, Tenn., Oct. 1, 1864. 
Watanga Bridge, Tenn., Oct. 1, 2, 

1864. 
Chucky Bend, Tenn., Oct. 10, 1864. 
Newport, " " 18, " 

Irish Bottoms, " "25, " 

Madisonville, " " 80, " 

Morristown. " Nov. 20, " 

Strawberry Plains, Tenn., Nov. 23, 

24, 1864. 
Kingsport, Tenn., Dec. 12, 1864. 
Bristol, " " 14, " 

Saltville, Va., Nov. 20, 1864. 
Chuckv Bend, Tenn., Jan. 10, 1865. 
Brabson's Mills, " Mar. 25, " 
Boonville, N. C. March 27, 1865. 
HemyCt. House, Va., April 8, 1865. 
Abbott Creek, N. C, " 10, " 
High Point, " " 10, " 

Stat«svill(?, " " 14, " 

Newton, " " 17, " 



SECOND BATTERY (rOSS'), 

The Second Battery organized in this State, was raised at 
Grand Rapids, in connection witli the Second Cavalrj. It left 
the State on the ITtli of December, 1861, clothed and mounted, 
but witliout guns. The battery was at the battle of Pittsburg 
Landing, April 6, and was cut off from its infantry support by ^ 
the enemy's cavalry, losing four of its six pieces, and si.xty 
officers and men taken prisoners. The remaining section has 
since been connected with a Missouri battery, but the com- 
pany has recently recruited with good success, and has been 
ordered into the field ascain in Western Tennessee, where it 
will soon have, if it has not already been supplied with, a new 
battery of guns. Its officers are: 

William H. Ross, Captain, January 26, 1862; Albert F. Arndt, Isfc Lieut., 
January 26, 1862; Cuthbert W. Laing, 1st Lieut., July 4, 1862; Edward B. 
Wright, 2d Lieut., August 28, 1862; BronsonC. Meddaugh, 2d Lieut., Au- 
gust 28, 1862. 

THIRD BATTERY (dEES'). 

This battery, raised in connection with the Third Cavalry, 



GHAIiTD KIVER VALLEY. 373 

left its rendezvous at Grand Rapids, December ITtli, 1861. It 
was engaged in the siege of Corinth, May, 1862, in the battles 
at luka, September 17th and 19th, and aided in the repulse of 
the enemy at Corintli, October 14. It lias lost by deaths from 
disease, thirteen; death from wounds, one; discharges, fifteen ; 
desertions, four; missing in action, three. Its force on the 
30tli of ^November, was 108, It is now in "West Tennessee, 
and its officers are: 

George Robinson, Captain, November 20, 1862; Carl A. Lamberg, 1st 

Lieut., Dec. 6, 1861; William H. Sinclair, 1st Lieut., July 15, 1862; 

, 2d Lieut. ; , 2d Lieut. 

BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES. 



Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 6, 

1862. 
Siege of Corinth, Miss., May 10 to 31, 

1862. 
Corinth, Miss., October .S, 4, 1862. 
Resaca, Ga., May 9. 1864. 
Lay's Ferry, Ga., May 14, 1864. 
Calhoun Ferry, Ga., May 15, 1864. 
Rome X Roads, " ' 16, " 



Cave Springs, Ga., Oct. 13, 1864. 
Turkey Ridge, Ala., Oct. 26, 1864. 
Griswold, Ga., Nov. 22, 1864. 
Ogeechee River, Ga., Dec. 8, 1864. 
Savannah, Ga., Dec. 11 to 20, 1864. 
Salkehatchie River, S. C, Feb. 6, 

1865. 
Columbia. S. C, Feb. 15, 1865. 
Cox's Bridge, N. C, Mar. 20. 1865. 
Bentonville, N. C, Mar. 21, 22; 1865. 



THIETEENTH BATTERY. 

This battery was organized at Grand Rapids, and Avas 
mustered into the United States service on the 20th of Jan- 
♦ uar}^, 1864, with 160 names on its rolls. It left Grand Rapids 
February 3d, and arrived at Washington, D. C., on tlie 7th of 
that month. It went into camp near Washington, where it 
was employed in perfecting itself in drill until the llth of 
May. It was then ordered to Fort Slemmer, D. C. During 
the remainder of the year the battery was stationed at Fort 
Slemmer, and in other fortifications in the neighborhood of 
Washington. On the 11th and 12th of July, 1864, it assisted 
in the defense of Fort Stevens against the attack of the rebel 
Gen. Early's forces. On the 1st of i^ovember, the battery 
was at Fort Sumner, Md. 

The battery was in the 1st Brigade, Harden's Division, 22d 
Corps, Army of the Potomac. Captain, Charles Dupont. 

In 1863, neither of the Grand River counties was subject to 
the drat^, their quota being filled by volunteers. 



374 MEMOEIALS OF THE 



GEAND RIVER. VALLEY IN 1846. 

We will now pass over ten years, and attempt a portraiture 
of the Grand llivei" Valley in 1846. This will show the ad- 
vance that had been made — that it had not been rapid. 

The first years of flush excitement had brought several 
thousands into the Valley; the crash that followed had driven 
many of them away. Speculation had been rife; but land 
and lots had lost their fanciful value. Immigration had 
nearly ceased; and everything was stationary. 1846 was in 
that time, when hope had nearly died out, and when real 
estate was scarce considered property. 

Improvements — and some of them great ones — had been 
inade, but in almost everj^ case they had ruined those who had 
invested their capital. The fact was, at the start there was 
too much enterprise — a throwing away of caj)ital in works 
that should have awaited their demand. In attempting to do 
Ijusiness where there was not the business to do, the capital 
was sunk. Abram S. Wadsworth had bankrupted himself in 
developing water-power; and Daniel Ball the same, by run- 
ning good steamboats, when only the cheapest craft would pay. 
Lucius Lyon had sunk a fortune in developing various inter- 
ests too soon. And the natural consequence of the whole was, 
a general abandonment of enterprises begun, and the begin- 
ning of no new ones. Discouraged, some of the leading spirits 
had withdrawn; and capital, seeking investment, was not to 
1)0 found. 

1846 is again selected as the time when expectation was at its 
lowest point, and values at a minimum. Those who had tried 
before to do business, had been ruined. If remaining, they 
Avere struggling to ])hu'e themselves again on their feet. In 
the few following ^^ears, hope revived; business improved; im- 
migration and settlement increased, and the dark days were over. 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 6 i i) 

The attempts of the young State of Michigan to go too fast 
had mined her credit at the East. Her name was in bad odor; 
her soil was decried, and she was passed b}'' by those who 
sought homes for themselves, or for a chance to invest their 
money. Of late, the State had been taking more judicious 
measures to revive and sustain her credit as a State. The 
wild-cat system of banking had given place to a better system. 
The Eastern public had been disabused as to the worth of 
Michigan lands, and immigration was taking that direction. 
An examination of the census reports will show that from 
about this time, the course of the State has been steadily on- 
ward. 

Tlie Grand River Yalley had its full share in this improved 
condition of things; and its progress since has been steady and 
great. 

At this time the most of the towns in Ionia and Kent were 
organized, and several in Ottawa. A reference to the censns 
of 18-15 will show the strength of occupation — 1,200 people in 
Ottawa Co.; 217 in Muskegon; 6,019 in Kent, and 5,101 in 
Ionia. 

Comparing these census returns, and deducting the villages 
of Grand Rapids, Plainfield and Wyoming, from Kent; Ionia, 
Portland and Lyons from Ionia; and Grand Haven from Otta- 
wa, it will be seen that the land was most occupied in Ionia 
county, and but sparsely settled in Ottawa. 

Several of the towns in Ionia Co., had quite the air of thriv- 
ing farming regions. North Phiins, Otisco, Keene, Easton, 
and Berlin, easy to subdue, had iu a great measure been sub- 
dued, and were largely represented by " farmers " in contradis- 
tinction from " settlers." Settlements had been pushed into 
every town. 

In Kent county, there was more of a village population, and 
farmers were scarce. There were some farms in Wyoming, 
Paris, Grand Rapids, Walker and Plainfield, that had lost the 
air of newmess. But in general, the occupants of the land were 
what were then called "settlers;" that is, men who own their 
land, and have made some improvement. Tiiese were pushing 
tlieir clearings; and most of them were raising enough for 



376 MEMORIALS OF THE 

themselves, and something to sell. A surplus of wheat was 
raised, and some wool. Saw mills were on a good many of the 
streams, and lumber was sent to Chicago and Wisconsin. 

But there was absolutely nothing that could be done at a 
living profit. Lumber would sometimes pay expenses and 
sometimes not. That sold to settlers and at home would pay. 
That sent off was apt to be sold because the lumbermen must 
raise some money. Sent down the river to Grand Haven, it 
might bring $5 per M. — often less. Lumbering was poor 
business; and most of those engaged in it were doing business 
because they could not get out of it. As an illustration: in 
1847, we passed a large lumber pile on the bank of the river, 
which a gang of men were putting on scows, to send down the 
river. The owner was superintending tlie work; and while so 
doing, his curses of the pile were loud and deep. We, with 
our blandest smile, oft'ered to take the "cursed pile" off his 
hands. He said, " I will give you $3,000 to take it with its 
responsibilities." We did not then invest in lumber. 

Wheat would sell for 50 cents a bushel; flour, for $2.75 or 
$3.00 a barrel; pork and beef, $2.50 to $3.00 per hundred. It 
can readily be seen that neitherthe lumberman nor the farmer 
could make money. They were trying to Uve^ and were living 
on the hope of better times. Money was hard to compass. It 
was easy enough to get something to eat. Wages of laborers 
were fair, if something besides cash could be paid. Provisions 
were cheap and abundant; but to get a little money for taxes, 
grocei'ies, etc., the settlers were obliged to sell wood. It was 
almost pitiable to go into the streets of Grand Rapids, and see 
the teams, standing there with loads of wood. One dollar a 
cord would be thankfully received for hickory wood, which 
liad been drawn five or six miles. But we need not pity these 
men too much; they were not poor. Tliey had their land, and 
every year was widening their clearings. Their cattle were 
multiplying, and they were getting rich. Then their labor 
went into permanent investment. They had but little for 
present use, but they were laying the foundation of the inde- 
]iendence they now enjoy. They had the land which to-day, 
with their improvements, is wealth. 



GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 37 < 

"We will now look at Grand Rapids as it appeared in 1846; 
then, as now, the chief town in the Grand River Valley. 

It was emphatically " a story and a-half village," with a 
popnlation of 1,500, mostly on about fifty acres of land. 
Taking the region enclosed by Fulton street on the south, Divi- 
sion street on the east. Bridge street on the north, and the river 
on the west, we have all that had the appearance of a village. A 
few scattering houses were outside, on Bostw^ick's Addition, 
and on the west side of the river. Several very good resi- 
dences were on Fulton street, east of the limits given; and far 
out of town, Mr. Bostwick had his cosy home, iitted up with 
admirable surroundings, at what always should be called, as 
now, the " Bostwick Place." The extreme house at the 
northeast was at the coi"ner south of the Central School House. 
The buildings, with very few exceptions, were of wood; the 
residences, and a good part of the business places, a story and 
a-half high. The buildings, whether for residences or busi- 
ness, were simjjle structures, for use and not display. The 
exceptional buildings were live stone stores and two brick 
ones on Monroe street, two stone blocks or double stores up Ca- 
nal street, near Bronson; two stone stores at the foot of Monroe 
street, Avhere now is '' Campau Place." To these we may add 
the wing of the Rathbun House, tlie residence of Mr. Turner, 
on the west side of the river; and the Alma House, on Bron- 
son steet. There were besides, seven small brick or stone houses. 
The residences are still standing; the business blocks, with 
the exception of the Rathbun House and the store east of it, 
have either been destro^^ed by fire or pulled down, to give 
phice to more pretentious structures. 

The churches were the Congregational, the Methodist, the 
Episcopal, and the Dutch Reformed. Tlit Congregational was 
the only one that had the air of a church. It stood at the 
head of Monroe street, between that and Fulton street. It 
was a pretty, modest structure, in good architectui-al propor- 
tions. Wlien the society built their edifice at Park Place, they 
sold the old lot; the building was remodeled into stores, and 
soon went up in smoke. The Episcopal church stood at the 
corner of Division and Bronson streets. It was a mere tern- 



0<b MEMORIALS OF THE 

porary concern, until the society could aiTord to build. It after- 
wards did service for tlie Baptists in the same way, and finally 
was removed. The Methodist church was a better building, 
but still of modest size. It stood where their present building 
stands. The Dutch Reformed church was an unfinished stone 
buikling, which was afterwards sold for business purposes. 

Tlie Catholics had no church edifice. They had a house 
which was fitted up for a chapel at the corner of Monroe and 
Ottawa streets. In 1847 they built a stone church on the ad- 
joining lot; and the same year the chapel, which was also the 
residence of the priests, was burned; two women — the mother 
and sister of one of the priests — perishing in tlie fire. This 
was really the most soul-harrowing event that ever transpired 
in Grand Rapids. The sting of it is, no eftbrt was made to 
save them, it being supposed that they had got out, and were 
at a neighboring house. They could have been rescued un- 
harmed, had it been known they were in the building. 

The Baptists had an organization, but no place of worship. 
They held their meetings in the temporary court-house on the 
common. 

The streets were none of them graded, and there were side- 
walks only on Division, Monroe and Canal streets; those, with 
the exception of a part of Monroe street, simply a track the 
width of two planks. On Monroe street each had placed some- 
thing for a sidewalk before his premises. 

The business places were mostly on Monroe street and the 
south end of Canal street. Monroe street was generally occu- 
pied from Ottawa street. Business centered at what is now 
Campau Place — then " Grab Corners." The march of improve- 
ment has thrown open and made attractive, what was a nui- 
sance and an e)'e-sore — the result of the rivalry of the original 
platters of Grand Rapids and Kent. To make the im])rove- 
ment, several buildings were torn down and the space left 
open. The stoi-e furthest up Monroe street was where Luce's 
• block now stands. Turning into Caiud street, on the east side 
w^ere one story wooden buildings, about half way to Bronson 
street. Away up Canal street, at the foot of Bi'onson street, 
were on each side a double stone store, both of which have 
since been cremated. 



GKAND KIVEK VALLEY. 379 

A wing-dam, running half way across the river, served to 
divert some of the water into a canal of small capacity. The 
dam was built across the river and the canal enlarged, as at 
present, the next year. On this canal were three saw-mills, two 
large grist-mills — one still standing, the other gone up — two 
small machine shops, a tannery, clothing works and carding 
machines. On Cold hrouk was a larger tannery, and further up 
a turning shop. Lyon's salt works were in operation, doing a 
!?mall business. They were given up as profitless after a year 
ur two. 

Two steamboats, as large as those now used on the river, 
were plying below the Rapids, and pole boats, soon replaced 
by small steamboats, were doing the carrying above, as far as 
Lyons. 

As it regards the appearance of the village and its surround- 
ings, there was a primitive air to the whole. Enterprise had 
been checked, and had not recovered from the shock. Capital 
was wofnlly lacking. The streets of the village were simply 
horrible. Canal street was little better than a quagmire. From 
Bridge street down it has been filled to the depth of from five 
to fifteen feet. It was not then much of a business street. 
West of Division street and north of Monroe street was a fine 
musical-frog pond, and between that and Canal street was the 
beautiful "Prospect Hill," both of which have disappeared. 

A good open bridge was across the river at Bridge street, 
the one built by Scribner and Turner. A good one story 
school-house was on Fulton street (burned two years after- 
wards). There were two other school-houses — temporary con- 
cerns. There was nothing on the hill except along Fulton 
street. 

At that time the medical profession was represented by 
Drs. Shepard, Piatt, Bowman and Slocnm. Drs. Winslow 
and Wilson had recently died, and Ellis had moved to Detroit. 
Dr. Slocum died in 1847, and the same year Dr. Hollister 
(^since Prof. H. of Chicago), came in. Bowman died in 1859. 

The lawyers were Messrs. Abel, Moore, Bement, Rathbone, 
Ball, Yale, Church, Martin, Withey, Holmes and Miller. To 
their credit be it said, tlie}^ are all alive (1875) but Abel, Rath- 



380 MEMORIALS OF THE 

bone and Martin. One became chief justice of the State; an- 
otlier U. S. district judge; and a third, judge of the superior 
court. Abel died in 18.72; Martin (chief justice) in 18B8, and 
Rathbone in 1856. 1847 added, three to the number— Messrs. 
Cole, Rood and Sargeant. Sargeant and Cole died young. 
They had just shown the material of which they were made; 
had fairly won their position, and proved their worth. Cole 
was a man of power; was second mayor of the city; a man of 
sterling honor; not brilliant, but deep. He died of small-pox, 
July 29th, 1855. Sargeant died in 1858 — a man rising worth- 
ily to eminence. 

The press, in 1846, was represented by the Eagle and 
Enquirer — both modest weeklies. The Enquwer was owned 
by Charles H. Taylor and Jacob Barnes. Their office was a 
sinirle room; their circulation about 300. T. B. Church was 
editor; Barnes was principal manager. They had some gov- 
ernment patronage, and Barnes, having " no incumbrances," 
managed to live, and save a few pennies. Taylor was in the 
clothing business; was an aspiring politician, whom the people 
delighted to honor. Barnes was a modest man, who never 
sought political distinction. 

The Eagle, whig in politics, was run by another young man 
— Aaron B. Turner, who was his own editor. His circulation 
was somewhat larger than that of the Enquirer, but the con- 
cern would not pay; and he was often compelled to suspend 
for want of funds. He was also a political aspirant, but was 
then on the wrong side to win; so he was compelled to print 
or starve. Believing in the perseverance of the saints, he per- 
severed. The political change in the State brought patronage 
to his paper — brought office and money to him. He has not 
now the cadaverous look that printers are supposed to have, 
but his fair rotundity seems to indicate that official standing, 
printing and roast turkey agree with him. 

TJie hotel accommodations at the time were not only respect- 
able, but decidedly good. The National (now Morton) had a 
wide reputation. The Rathbun House was popular, and so 
were the Eagle and the little Michigan. 

Trade was a round-about concern. The mercantile interest 



GEAND EIVER VALLEY. 381 

was represented bj about a dozen general merchants; one 
drug store, two hardware stores, and eight or ten groceries. 
The stocks of goods were small — from $3,000 to $5,000 — -gen- 
erally bought and sold on credit. Tlie Winsors and Roberts 
combined lumbering with their mercantile business. The 
other merchants — Kendall, Ljon, Lyman, Morrison, Finny, 
Pierce, Sinclair, Bemis, Evans,' Noble, Rose & Covell, and 
Waring — did business as they could; getting some cash; 
trusting extensively, especially those who were carrying on 
such business as required the employment of others. As most 
of the business men had little capital, they were obliged to 
make aiTangements with the merchants, to give orders on 
their stores, they themselves to pay when tliey got their returns. 
Of course, to do business in this way, goods must be sold at a 
high figure. "One per cent." was the ruling profit; that is 
one cent profit for one cent investment. Let us not censure 
the merchant for his high profits. It was the only way busi- 
ness could be done. It seems hard that the farmer must give 
that high price for his supplies, and pay in wheat at fifty cents 
a bushel. But it must be borne in mind that the merchant 
could not get his pay for a long time, with a fair chance of 
never receiving it at all. This way of doing business is sel- 
dom successful for the trader. All experience showed tliat, on 
the whole, it was slow accumulation, or, more likely, bank- 
ruptcy. The farmers who were trusted in this way are now 
thankful for the accommodation. 

Grand Rapids had been a tlieatre of speculation, ^j refer- 
ence to the communication of Mr. Ball, it will be seen what 
were the ideas about ten years before, when lots were held at 
about $50 per front foot. There was no such talk in 1846-7. 
During those years, some tranfers were made on Monroe and 
Canal streets. The two lots forming the corner, north of 
Lyon street, at its junction with Canal street, were sold for 
$400. A lot below Waterloo street, on Monroe street, witli a 
a building on it, for $400; and a lot on the north side of Mon- 
roe street, nearly opposite, for $400. Lots on Division street, 
between Fulton and Bronson, were held at $200. Lots on the 
west side, from $10 to $25. On the hill, on Dexter Fraction, 



382 MEMORIALS OF THE 

thej were offered, but not sold, for $10. On Bostwick's Ad- 
dition, they were sold tor $25. 

Outside of tlie village there was no fanciful value to the land. 
Kendall's Addition was bought for $47 per acre; and the lot 
east of it offered for $20. Three miles out of town the best 
land was considered worth from $3 to $4; held loosely at that. 

The fact was, a great share of the property had non-resident 
owners. They had become sick of their investment, and were 
anxious to get rid of it, letting it be sold for taxes. If you 
had any " property " you could always sell it, if you would 
take land or lots for pay; these being hardly considered val- 
uables. O, what offers we all refused in those days! It makes 
US look blue when we recollect them; when we see, if we had 
only been able to look ahead, we might now be rolling in our 
wealth. How sad is the thought, " It might have heen!'^ 

Tlie village of Grand Rapids had three public and three pri- 
vate schools. School-house No. 1 was on Fulton street, on the 
north side, below Prospect street. It was a very respectable 
one-story building, which would accommodate two teachers 
and about 80 scholars. It was taught by W. W. AVeatherby, 
assisted by a lady. The next year it \vas taught by a Mr. 
Marsh; an able man; a powerful writer, and skillful teacher. 
Mr. Marsh lett his mark on Grand Rapids. He first breached 
the idea of a union school; and selected the site for it. It 
was the energetic representations of Marsh and of Mr. Wood, 
then a merchant, but afterwards a teacher in the Union School, 
that aroused the public to do something for their schools. 
John Ball fell in with the idea of Marsh and Wood; and the 
result was, an awakening of public sentiment and an accom- 
plished fact. Marsh died soon after. The last teacher in No. 
1 was Thomas Gumming, who had returned fi'om the war in 
Mexico. 

No. 2, " up in Kent," was in a hired building, and was kept 
by Zimri Burnham. There was also a small school on the 
west side. No. 1 was burned in 1849. 

At that time the private schools completely overshadowed 
the public ones, and the teachers in the public schools had no 
enviable position in consequence. In the village there was 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 3S3 

little interest taken in the district schools, while the private 
schools were strong in the public sympathy. 

Tlie Academy was ]3artly in the conrt house on the public 
square, and partly in the cottage building at its K. E. comer- 
It was under the charge of Franklin Everett, assisted by his 
w*ife. Thomas Ciimming and Miss Elizabeth AVhite, This Mr, 
Gumming was a recent graduate from Ann Arbor; a young 
man of the highest promise. A few years afterwards he was 
acting governor of Nebraska, where he was one of tlie dom- 
inant spirits. He died, still a young man. 

The Catholics had an academic school at the corner of 
Monroe and Ottawa streets, under the charge of Mr. Cock. 

A young ladies' school was on the opposite side of Monroe 
street, taught by a Miss Janes. This school was given up 
in the fall of 1846, Miss Janes having concluded she would 
rather be the wife of Mr. William Parks than the principal of 
a young ladies' school. Many are there now among the 
matrons of the Valley, who affectionately recollect their 
loving teacher. Miss Janes. She left her impress on hearts; 
and became an honored portion of the history of the Val- 
ley. 

There were no focilities in the Grand River I'egiou for 
higher education, except what were afforded by the three 
above-mentioned schools at Glrand liapids; and of these the 
people liberally availed themselves. Two of these certainly 
were good ones. A reference to the title page of this book will 
show why an opinion is withheld as to the merits of the 
other. 

Outside of the village of Grand Rapids, the schools were as 
good as could be expected. The people, in general, felt an in- 
terest in them, and supported them as well as they could. 
Most of the houses were cheap structures (they could afford 
no other); and from necessity, cheap teachers were employed. 
Schools were mostly maintained in the districts six or seven 
months in the year— generally tanght by the students of the 
high schools. 

On the whole, it is to be recorded as a fact, that about the 
first thing the settlers, then generally witli very little means. 



< 



384: MEMORIALS OF THE 

taxed themselves for, was to build a school house. A few of 
these school houses remain; while most of them have given 
place to elegant and costly buildings. But it must be borne 
in mind that it was more of an undertaking to build the first 
than the second. Time brought capital, and capital puts up 
tine structures. The first houses were built when a dollar was 
a hard thing to get hold of. 

The people of the Grand Kiver Yalley are two removes from 
old Massachusetts. Their fathers moved to Western Xew 
York, and they — the sons — to Michigan. The first thing the- 
colonists of Massachusetts thought of, was to build a church, 
or "meeting-house;" settle a "minister," and employ, as an 
humble dependent on him, a school-master to teach the chil- 
dren reading, imnting, aritJimetic and the catechism. In the 
schools were the " spelling-book class, the Testament class, 
and the Bible class." All was secondary to the church, and 
had reference only to that; as it is with our Sabbath schools 
of the present day. 

!N^ew York secularized those sons of Massachusetts; so that 
in their minds the schools were not an appendage to the 
churches, but a part of the puhlic. There, churches, instead 
of being the hasis of society, were an outgrowth from the wants 
and desires of the people. Those built them who chose; but 
the schools were for the public to take care of. These grand- 
sons of IS^ew England, who came to the wilds of Michigan, 
brought with them the New York idea. " Build school-houses 
first," was the principle on which they acted. JSTo dark corner 
was left svhere the school-house and school teacher were not. 
As a result, those raised in the Grand River Yalley do not sign 
their names with a mark- — no, not one of them. 

The schools, at the time we are considering, it is true, 
were humble; but they were efficient. A view of the Yalley 
will demonstrate the fact that the spirit of early times is 
the spirit of the present. In each city, village, hamlet or 
neighborhood the school-house and the school are the things 
dearest to the people. Go where you will, and look at the 
school-houses; you will not return and blush for the Grand 
River Yalley. 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 385 



GRAND RAPIDS. 

For the early history of the city, the reader is referred to 
the articles that have preceded. Tlie Grand Rapids that was 
has been spoken of. The Grand Rapids of the present will 
show what has been done — ^^jumping 30 years. 

TOPOGRAPHY OF GRAND RAPIDS. 

As the original characteristics of the ground are fast disap- 
pearing, it is considered that it will not be without interest to 
show what wasiXxQ contour of the ground before man made it 
ov^er to suit his purposes. 

The west side, from the river to the bluffs, was mostly a 
level plain, covered with granite boulders, and diversified only 
by a marsh north of Bridge street, about half way between the 
river and the bluffs, and extending far to the north; and a 
shallow ravine below Bridge street. Some half mile below 
Pearl street bridge, near the river, were some Indian burial 
mounds. 

On the east side, near the river, the land was lower; along 
where are Canal and Kent streets, somewhat marshy, kept wet 
by the springs from the hills above. Below Pearl street, the 
ground was mostly dry, but low, and deeply covered by water in 
times of flood. It was cut by a small brook from the east, mak- 
ing a little ravine. Still further south was a I'idge of land, 
rising steep from the river, and descending more gently towards 
the east. This ridge will probably always remain sufficiently 
to show its general character and direction; though its north- 
ern end is doomed to partly disappear. 

An isolated hill began east of Canal street, about 150 feet 
north of Lyon street, and extended in a southeasterly direc- 
tion nearly to the head of Monroe street, or about half way 
between Ottawa and Division streets. Into the southern slope 
of this hill Monroe street was dug. The general height of 
25 



386 MEMORIALS OF TIIE 

this ridge w<as not far from tlie level of Division street. East 
of this ridge, commencing at the corner of Division and Mon- 
roe streets, and rnnning northward beyond Lyon street, was a 
musical frog-pond. The low land east of the river ridge, in 
the sonth part of the town. Was a peat-bog— -it has been tilled 
several feet — from that bog eastward the ascent was gradual; 
and the ireneral contour of the o^round has not been essentially 
varied by man; neither is it likely to he. 

Commencing at the Union School House, and rnnning 
north to near Cold Brook, the sand bluff was as steep as the 
earth would lie. To obtain the grade of Lyon street, it was 
cut to the depth of thirty feet. Above the bluff was nearly a 
plain; broken at the north by a wide ravine from Bridge 
street, descending by nearly an uniform slope to Cold Brook, 
Through this ravine La Fayette street has its course. The 
northern part of the sand bluff, near and beyond tlie reservoir, 
was broken by ravines. The same bluff presented a bold 
front towards Cold ])rook. Xorth of the reservoir, tlie cutting 
of the D. 6z M, Kaih-oad was fifty feet. 

A string of three islands, scarcely separated, extended down 
the river from Pearl street bridge; a part of the river channel 
was east of them. This channel was used by the river craft 
until about 1852. Steamboats landed their freight at about the 
junction of jMonroe and Pearl streets, or where the l)uilding 
stands that breaks the line. The land north, where stands the 
hotel and most of it north of Pearl street is made land, where 
Wadsworth's mill and dam once stood. The jail is on '* Island 
No. 1." Canal street, at its present grade (which prol)ably 
will not he changed), is filled from four to fifteen feet between 
Pearl and Bridge street. Its greatest filling is at its southern 
end, which was a little bay of the river. 

The marsh on tha west side was drained this year (1875), and 
takes its place as dry land, ready to be built upon. The region 
along "Waterloo street, and U]) the southern lowlands east of 
the ridge, are raised; or in process of being raised. The Cold 
Brook region is much filled, further than what has been men- 
tioned. The future observer will be able to see the general 
contour of the land occupied by the city, as it was before civ- 
ilized man began his labors there. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 387 

GRAND KAl'IDS STRKKTS AND TIIKIK ASSOriATIONS. 

The names of streets are often lii8torioal tnonunionts. The 
pei-sons who plat cities, or their additions, are allowed the priv- 
iienje of giving names to tlie streets. AVith them, in most 
c.oes, the names have associations. It may be only their fan- 
cy for an en])h()?n()us word, or the well-knf)wn name of a stj'oet 
in some famous city. More commonly, the streets are named 
after some one whom it is intended to compliment, or whose 
memory it is intended to ])erpetuate. Again, a ])ecnliarity in 
the situation of the street itself will give it a name. Grand 
Rapids has streets whose names belong to each of these classes. 

Passing by thovse that are ostensibly imitative, or named 
from places or famous men, we will note those that have asso- 
tions connected with them, and where the association is not 
a])parent. 

Ferry — where the old Ferry was. 

Fountain — from the fine spriug by its side. 

Spring— from its large sjjring. 

College Avenue — AVIien Geo. Kendall laid out his addition, 
there was tlie ])roject of a college at CJi'and Iia])ids, and he de- 
Vdti'd grounds to it. The charter of a colleo-e Wiis obtained, 
and the college started, but died. 

Island — from the island at the foot of it; island no longer. 
The time will come when it will be merely historical that there 
was a string of three islands below Pearl street bri<lge; that 
the steamboat channel was between those islands and the east 
bank of the river; and that the landing was where now are the 
blocks of stores east of Pearl street bridge; that the jail is f>n 
an island. 

Lock — At the head of the first canal was a "guard lock." 
This " guard lock " has its romantic associations. "■ The course 
of true love never runs smooth,'' was suggested by the romance 
of the *' guard lock." Tradition, and not history, will pre- 
serve tlutt romance. 

Kent — Louis Campau laid out a village, and called it " Grand 
Uapids." Soon after, Lucius Lyon ])latted the land north of 
it, and called it " Kent." Each was intent on fixing the name 
of the embryo city. The name of the county was Kent, given 



388 MEMORIALS OF THfe 

in honor of Chancellor Kent, of IS'ewYork. For many years, 
the village was spoken of in two parts — " Grand Rapids " and 
" Kent." The failure of the Kent Company, and the troubles 
about the property there, caused Kent to sink to be a depend- 
ency of Grand Eapids, and it lost the name. Kent was the 
portion west of Division street, and between Lyon and Bridge 
streets. 

Many names will be recognized as those of the persons who 
})latted the additions to the city, and to many they gave the 
Christian names of their children. It is not necessary to 
specify these. 

Almy — from Judge Almy. 

Coit, Waldbridge, Grant, Ellsworth — from large owners of 
land in the region, but never citizens. 

Bronson — tells us that such a man as Stephen Bronson once 
lived, who held that vexatious " mortgage" given by Lucius 
Lyon on the Kent plat. He was a large land owner in Mich- 
iojan; laid out the village of Kalamazoo and called it Bronson. 

Oaks — from Charles Oaks, of Grandville historic memory. 

La Grave — When Daniels laid out his addition, he named 
a street after his father-in-law. 

Lyon — from the Lion. Lucius L3'on. 

Williams — from Henry li. Williams, the steamboat man. 

Louis, Antoine — from Louis and Antoine Campau. 

With certain knowledge with regard to a few of the streets 
with Christian names, we note: 

Rose — from the fair daughter of Thomas Sheldon. 

Jonathan — so named by the Hon. Wm. A. Richmond in 
honor of his father. (Good boy.) 

Charlotte — name given by the Hon. E. B. Bostwick in com- 
pliment to his wife. (Gentlemanly husband.) 

Wealthy — Given by Judge Morrison in compliment to his 
wife. (Do.) 

In the absence of particular knowledge, we will suppose 
John street was named after John the Baptist, or another 
Baptist John, who came home from the army with a hole in 
his arm, and another in his cap. 

Mary street — May mean Mary Magdalen, or any of the 
thousand pretty girls that bear that favorite name. 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 389 

De Lony — Mr. De Lony Gunnison, it is to be hoped you 
will recollect whose son you are. 

Gunnison — from Ca])t. Gunnison, of the U. S. Engineers. 
See biographical notice. 

Penny — from Dr. Penny, a very learned clergyman, who foi- 
a time resided in the city. 

Prescott — from the Rev. Francis Prescott. 

To attach ones name to a street jjroves the desire to be re- 
membered. To have ones name so placed by the jpuTAlc is a 
real coin]>liment — a distinction. We seek immortality, and 
divud oblivion. O, this being forgotten I how it haunts us all. 
Alter all, there is but one way of living after we are dead. 
Something must be done tcortJnj of rttmniihranee. How many 
of us have done that something! Ohltmoa — how it engulphs 
us! 

CITY GOVERNMENT. 

Organized May 20th, 1850. Henry R. AV^illiams, Mayor; 
Leonard Bement, Recorder; Aaron P. Turner, Clerk; Amos 
Roberts, Charles \V. Taylor, Lovel ]\Ioore, Dr. Josej>h Penny, 
Isaac Turner, Aldermen; Alfred X. Cary, ^Marshal. 

1851 — Ralph AV^. Cole, Mayor; Franklin Everett, Recorder; 
A. Ilosford Smith, Clerk; Abrani AV. Pike, Marshal; Amos 
Roberts, Martin L. Sweet, George Kendall, AVm. C. Davidson, 
Loren M. Page, Aldermen; Wilder D. Foster, Treasurer. 

1852 — AVm, II. AVithey, Mayor; Leoiiard Bement, Record- 
er; A. Ilosford Smith, Clerk; AVm. C. Davidson, Marshal; 
W. D. Foster, Treasurer; AVilder D. Foster, David Caswell, 
Aaron Dikeman, Silas Hall, Jacob AVoodward, Aldermen. 

1853— Thomas B. Church, Mayor; John F. Godfroy, Re- 
corder; P. R. L. Pierce, Clerk; Robert I. Shoemaker, ]\Iar- 
shal; Charles Shepard, David Caswell, Xoyes L. Avery, Eli- 
phalet II. Turner, Ralph A\'", Cole, Aldermen. 

1854 — AVilder D. Foster, Mayor; Ebenezer S. Eggelson, 
Recorder; P. R. L. Pierce, Clerk; R. I. Shoemaker, Marshal; 
Charles Shepard, Martin L. Sweet, Benjamin B. Church, Eli- 
phalet Turner, P. II. Bowman, Aldermen. 

1855 — Charles Shepard, Mayor; Lovell More, Recorder; 
P. R. L. Pierce, Clerk; Leonard Covell, Marshal; Edson Ful- 



1300 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ler, Treasurer; Alonzo Piatt, Alexander McKenzie, "Win. N. 
Cook, Wm. K. Wheeler, Philander II. ^owhian, Aldermen. 

1856. — John M. Fox, Mayor; Stephen G. Cluunplin, lle- 
corder; James Blair, Clerk; Ebenezer Anderson, Treasurer; 
Irii Hatch, Marshal; Thomson Sinclair, Harry H.Ives, 
(too. \V. Allen, James P. Littleiield, Lucius Pattison, Alder- 
men. 

1857 — Will. T. Powers, Mayor; S. G, Champlin, Recorder; 
(yharles B. Benedict, Clerk; Eb. Anderson, Treasurer^ D. 
S. T. Weller, Marslial; Warren P. Mills, II. II. Ives, Amos 
Rathbun, Jonathan F. Chubb, James N. Davis, John Clancy, 
Robert Hilton, Pansom C, Luce, Leonard Covell, and Philan- 
der II. Bowman, Aldermen. 

1858— Gilbert M. McCray, Mayor; S. G. Champlin, Ile- 
corder; Charles B. Benedict, Clerk; Francis A^ofj-t, Treasuree; 
Geo. C. Evans, Marshal; John McCunnell, John Alniy, Noyes 
L. Avery. John N. Williams, James N, Davis, John Clancy, 
Robert Hilton, 11. C. Luce, Leonard Covell, Philander H. 
Bowman, Aldermen. 

1859 — George K. Johnson, Mayor; Charles P. Calkins, Ile- 
corder; Evert M. Doubleday, Clerk; Adolphus F. Ran, Treas- 
urer; Leonard Snyder, Marshal; Aldermen — John Clancy, 
Harry Ives, R. C. Luce, Wm. A. Ilyde, Chester 8. Morey, 
John McConnell, John Al my, Noyes L. Avery, John N. Wil- 
liamson, James X. Davis. 

18()(»— Martin L. Sweet, Mayor; E. M. Doubleday, Clerk; 
Paul Stickatee, Treasurer; James Cavenaugh, Marshal ; Alder- 
men — Charles L. Henderson, Elijah D. Waters, Alfred X. 
Cary, Leonard Covell, Isaac Turner. 

[The aldermen are now elected for two years, so half of the 
council will be those in the lirst list last year.] 

1861 — George H. White, Mayor; John P. Champlin, Re- 
corder (2 years); Xoah Stevens, Treasurer; Cbarles H. Eaton, 
Clerk; Leonard Snyder, Marshal; AVm. II. Godfroy, James 
F. Grove, Henry S. Smith, John T. Elliott, Martin us Ceator, 
Aldermen, with those elected last year. 

1862— Geo. II. White, Mayor; Charles W. Eaton, Clerk; 
Noah Stevens, Treasurer; Leonard Snyder, Marshal ; Israel L. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 391 

('rittenden, George M. Ilnntly, Eansoin C. Luce, John R. 
Long, Newton T. Smith, Aldermen. 

18(;;5— Cliarles C. Comstock, Mayor; Cliarles P. Calkins, 
Recorder; Wm. A. Powers, Clerk; Noah Stevens, Treasurer; 
Francis JIuxhcimer, Marshall; Wm. II. Godfrey, Robert 
Davidson, Wm. II. Stewart, Alexander Milmine, Thomas 
Doran, Aldermen. 

1 SCI— Cliarles C. Comstock, flavor; George AV. Thayer, 
(.'lerk; J. Frederick Paris, Ti'casurer; Henry Premer, Mar- 
shal; Julius Houseman, George C. Fitcli, P. C. Luce, Lowell 
Ilall, Geo. P. Pierce, Aldermen. 

1S05— AVilder I). Foster, Mayor; John T. Miller, Recorder; 
Buel II. Pahcock, Marshall; J. V. Paars, Treasurer; Edwin 
Haxtei-, Clerk; Wm. Riordan, David P. Clay, Edward Mold 
(to fill vacancy), Simeon L. Paldwin, Fraid<lin P. Day, Isaac 
Turner (to fill vacancy), Charles G. Ih-insmaid, Aldermen. 

18G6— W. D. Foster, Mayor; Puel II. l]abcock, Marshal; 
Robert "Wilson, Clerk; J<din F. Paars, Treasurer; Julius 
Houseman, Penton C. Saunders, R. C. Luce, Joseph Tomp- 
kins, Francillo Hall, Aldermen. 

1867 — John 11. Champlin, Mayor; Pirney G. Iloyt, Re- 
corder; J. F. Parrs, Treasurer; Penj. F, SI iter, Clerk; Eben- 
ezer Anderson, Marshal; Dennis W. Bryan, Simeon L. Pald- 
win, Harry II. Ives, William AViddecomb, Adolphus L. 
Skinner, Alderman. 

18GS— Moses V. Aldrich, ]\Liyor; Miles S. Adams, Mar- 
shal; Charles W. AVarrell, Clerk; J. F. Paars, Treasurer; 
Julius Houseman, Penton C. Saunders, Ransom C. Luce, 
Isaac Turner, Chester S. Morey, Aldermen. 

1860— Moses Y. Aldrich, Mayor; Pirney Iloyt, Recorder; 
Allen P. C\.llar, Marshal; Charl'es Warrelf, Clerk; James D. 
Lyon, Treasurer; Thomas Smith, Harry II. Ives, Simeon L. 
Paldwin, Alexander Milmine, Thomas Doran, Aldermen, 

1870— Moses V. Aldrich, Mayor; John F. Paars, Treasu- 
rer: (Miarles Warrell, Clerk; Alien P. Collar, Marshal; John 
S. Farr, Henry Spring, Wm. Greulich, Adolph Leitelt, Daniel 
E. Little, Aldermen. 

1871— Leonard 11. Randall, Alayor; G. Chase Godwin, Re- 



392 MEMORIALS OF THE 

corder; Charles "Warrell, Clerk (2 years); J. F. Baars, Treasu- 
rer; A. P. Collar, Marshal; John Grady, Thomas Smith, Hen- 
ry Miller,f Geo. G. Stickatee, John A. S. Yerdier, Peter Gran- 
ger, John Dale,f James R, Lameranx,f David Lemon, Alex- 
ander Milmine, Thomas Thomas Doran, Aldermen. 

[The three marked with a f were for one year.] 

1872 — Julius Houseman, Mayor; J. F. Baars, Treasurer; 
James Lyon, Marshal ; Dennis W. Bryan, John Kendall, Sim- 
eon L. Baldwin, Adolph Leitelt, Robert W. Woodcock, John 
French, Samuel O. Dishman, William H. Powers, Alder- 
men. 

1873 — P. R. L. Pierce, Mayor; J. F. Baars, Treasurer; 
C. W. Warrell, Clerk; John Grady, Thomas Smith, George 
G. Stickatee, John S. Yerdier, Ichabod L. Quimby, Frederich 
J. Little. Alex. Milmine, Peter Weirich, Aldermen; Thomas 
Doran, Marshal. 

1874— Julius Houseman, Mayor; J. F. Baars, Treasurer; 
Thomas Doran, Marshal; Patrick O'Ki el, John Kendall, Wm. 
B. Remington, Frederick Leitelt, B. C. Sanders, John French. 
Samuel O. Dishman, Alfred Crawford. 

1875— P. R. L. Pierce, Mayor; Charles W. Warrell, Clerk; 
Leonard H. Randall, Treasurer; Thomas Doran, Marshal; 
John Grady, Charles W. Caukin, Lewis W. Heath, Charles 
A. Hilton, Samuel A. Hogeboom; Isaiah Stewart, Alexander 
Milmine, Peter Weirich, Aldermen. 

COMMUNICATION WITH THE WORLD. 

At first Grand Rapids was isolated, being itself an ad- 
vance post of civilization. In summer the people did not par- 
ticularly feel their loneliness, as they had free communication 
by water. At an early day, steamboats were put on the river 
below, and ])ole boats plied above. Stages run on the road or 
trail from ]5attle Creek, and at a later day from Kalamazoo. 
These stages were not coaches, l)ut mere covered wagons. At 
the opening of the plank road to Kalamazoo, coaches replaced 
the lumbering wagons. Tliat road was felt to be a great 
thing for the place, though those who invested in it sunk all 
their capital. In winter the place for commercial purposes 
was practically " bottled-up." The first railroad was the Do- 



GRAXD KIVER VALLEY. 393 

troit & Milwaukee, wliich dates from 1853. Since then, com- 
munication has heen opened in all directions. 

Her railroads now (1876) are the D. & M., the Chicago & 
Lake Michigan, Grand Kapids & Indiana, G. K. & I^ewaygo, 
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, and Michigan Central; 
aifording eight different ways of approaching or leaving the 
city, in addition to the steam navigation of the river. It 
should have been mentioned in place, that for a few years be- 
fore the D. & M. railroad was made, small steamers plied 
above the Rapids to L3"ons, and a line of stage wagons. These 
were then withdrawn. 

Grand Rapids, which in 1850 was a kind of advanced 
picket on the frontier of civilization, has become a central 
city; for a part of the State metro]3olitan, with every facil- 
ity for communication with the outside world that it can 
desire. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

As in many other new places, the people at first built and 
acted in utter disregard of danger from fire. The place had 2,000 
inhabitants before it had a fire engine of any kind, or any fire 
organization. If a building got on fire, it burned down, of 
course. About 18-48, the first fire companies were started. 
Two engines of small capacity were procured, one manned by 
fjoi/s. Some sad warnings that these were insufficient, caused 
others to be procured. Still, the spirit of economy rendered 
these inefficient. Much time would be lost in getting the en- 
gines into play, and then, in many parts of the cit}^, the water 
supply was lacking. 

In 1873, the people and authorities became thoroughly sen- 
sible that something more efficient must be done. The water- 
works were provided foi", and there was about this time a thor- 
ough re-organization of the fire department. Now, with our 
])aid men always ready, our water everywhere, and with the 
''Little General" at the head, we have little fears from fire. 
The new organization and water-w^orks, costly as they have 
been, and are, have been found to be a good investment. Per- 
liajis no city has a better fire organization. 



394 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



OLD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS. 

The isolation from general society, the privations and hard- 
ships of pioneer life, and the early coinmnnity of thought and 
feeling, engendered a strong fraternal feeling among the early 
settlers. As, one by one, they pass over the Dark River, to be 
seen no more, the spirits of the survivors are drawn into closer 
alliance. Dear, doubly dear, are the associates of early days. 
As a token of their mutual interest, and to perpetuate the spirit 
of fraternity, the old residents have banded themselves into 
associations, that meet in the spirit of true fraternity, talk over 
the days '' lang syne," living over again the years that are past. 
Associations of this kind are at Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, 
Ionia, Lowell and Rockford. The present work is an out- 
growth of these fraternal unions; undertaken under their au- 
spices, and carried on under their patronage. The following, 
expressiv^e of the spirit of the fraternity, was read at their fes- 
tival at Grand Rapids, Feb. 8th, 187G: 



MYTHIC JOE S ADDRESS. 
■ BY F. EVERETT. 



I wonder if I am the person, 

And the region around is the same, 
That it was forty years in past time 

Wlien first to this valley I came. 
1 hardly can tliiniv Tra the same one; 

For lie did not walk \ :ih a cane; 
His beard was n(jt grizzle<l, as mine is ; 

Ivebeen chnni;ed for another, 'tisplain. 
I sliould ndt be known by my mother. 

Should she look through the starlight of 
heaven. 
For the son, who, dark-eyed and lightsome. 

Came here in the year" thirty-seven. 

I came w'ith my blue eyed Mary ; — 

1^0 wa.s she not lieautlful, then !) 
To hew out a Imnie in this valley, 

Away from all civilized men. 
We had personal reasons f<jr coming; 

That is, my Mary and I;— 
We had loved ; run away, and got married; 

Her father was mad ; that is' why 
We chose to go into the wild-woods, 

To give iiim a time to get over 
His wrath, that his daughter had fooled 
him. 

And slyly eloped witli her lover. 
I Inughecl at his rage ; 1 had got lier! 

I now think he was not to blame, 
Time often will alter oiiinion: — 

My daughter has played me tlie same. 

I now liave a hou.se that is painted ; 

And a farm, whose acres are wide; 
And 1 look on my cattle and inuik-book 

With a little ol' something like pride; 
My dunghtei' plays on her piano; 

And i sit in that parlor of mine, 
My gray-haired .Mary beside me. 

And think of the days lang syne, 



When our home was a little log cabin. 

Surrounded by wide-spreading woods; 
When our land, our steers, and a kettle 

Were the sum of our earthly goods. 
We extemporized chairs and'a taole ; 

(Of chairs we scarce needed but one,) 
And bright was the fire in our cabin, 

Wlieu the day's liard labor was done. 
"Hard labor.'"" Lord bless you! 'twas 
fun then 

To pitch into a big maple tree ; 
To see it tremble and totter, 

And fall, iir obeisance to me. 
'Twas fun, too, when done with my chop- 
I'ing, 

And the shadows of evening appear, 
To shoulder my rille. and bring liome 

A noble big turkey or deer. 

I said, that now we have music 

At home in our parlor fair; 
But then the music of nature 

Was free in the woodland air. 
The (rogs were peeping in concuTt; 

The locusts were trilling their song; 
The katy-didsscraped on their fiddles: 

And the owls hcjoted mellow and strong. 
We enjoyed the wolfs hoar.se howling, 

.\s liir'ou'jh the forest it rung; 
The s(ail-nioving notes of the robin. 

And the sougihat the whipi)oorwill sung. 
The music of ."s'atuie was cheering, 

i::njoyed by .Mary and me. 
As we .'<at outside of tmr cabin 

Beneath a tall linden tree! 

We Welcome now in our jiarlor, 
Young comi)any. i;ay and lair; 

And the gray-haired trit'nds (jf old-time 
Have a heart wIujIc welcome there. 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 



595 



We meet :— that is, veteran gray-beards; 

Talk politics, religion and stocks, 
The prospects of wheat or lumber ; 

Our cattle, our horses or flocks, 
We talk of the coming election. 

Mid try to be wise or gay ; 
But I tell you. the mind has been wander- 
ing 
To scenes of an earlier day. 
Recollection will master tlie'present. 

With all its excitemeut and strife : 
.\nd we are soon in the midst of our .stories 

Of old-time pioneer life. 
One tells of his hunting adventures; 

Another his pipe will fill. 
And recount his patient endurance 

In the dreadful journey to mill. 
One tells of fording the river. 

With the anchor-ice running free; 
Another remembers his shivering 

All night in a wolf-circled tree. 
One tells of his adventure by moonlight; 

That a bear in his pig-pen he spied : 
And how, after some desperat*" fighting. 

The poacher surrendered his hide. 
I5ut longest we are wont to linger. 

Most ilearly we love to hear. 
When tlie stories come up, revealing 

The soul of the old pioneer ; 
When man hailed man as a brother; 

And was ready his little to share ; 
When each woman was recognized sister ; 

And each for his neighbor had care. 
The glorious logging bee parties !— 

Hard work a holiday spree. 
For the fair at the house were arranging 

For an evening of heartiest glee. 
From the region around all had gathered; 

The logging was Hist to be done; 
And theii'c'anie the wasliing and supper, 

And the evening ot rollicking fun. 
Ellis was there with his fiddle; 

And the music he gave was prime; 
Men danced in their frocks and stogas. 

In defiance of rule and time. 
The dance had an inspiration 

Unfelt at cotillion or ball ; 
For intensified soul was in it, 

One spirit was moving us all. 
Our children are much more graceful, 

But little they know, perchance. 
Of the soul-felt, real enjoyment, 

When Nature inspires the dance. 
To find where unfetiered nature 

The most inspirits and cheers. 
You must enter the rustic log-cabins 

Of the woodland pioneers. 

Now we meet, are correct in deportment. 

Our airs have been letirned in the schools; 
And we are politely observant 

Of etiquette's stringent rules. 
We are gentlemen now, and ladies. 

Repressing our wannest desires ; 
We are studying, watching and trying 

To learn what fashion requires. 
We run into cliques and coteries ; 

We are anxious to keep our place. 
Cold art has supplanted nature. 

And soul has conceded to grace. 
But, p oncer brother or si.ster. 

Reviewing the liygone years, 
Having lived in Nature and fashion. 

Say, which the most lovely appears? 
In tlie days wiien neighbor was brother 

And heart gave society tone, 
Our world was indei^d asmall one : 

l>ut that little woiid was our own. 
Then etiquette did not rule us: 

We had no aristocracy tlieu, 



Heart-whole was onr social enjoyment. 
For we met as women and men. 

Warm sympathy bound us together, 
And oiie in another believed. 

We ivjoiced when another was happy, 
And grieved when another was grieved. 

Yet think not, although we were happy, 

We were content this state should abide: 
We then on finr hopes were living. 

As now we aic living on pride. 
For the Intnre we Inul an ideal ; 

Both fancy and liojie liad play; 
What then was anticipation. 

Is realization lo-day. 

Perhaps some of o?ir civilized moderns 

Will tnrii up their noses in scorn. 
At our shouting from cabin to cabin ; 

■■ A baby 1 .A baby is born !" 
That we all must go over and see it. 

And feast onr fond eyes with the sight ; 
That we talked all day of the baby. 

And dreamed of the baby at night ; 
That baby not ours, but a neighbor's ; 

So short of ihese times did We come. 
When babies are out of tlie fasliion, 

And not welcomed, even at home; 
But then each new soul had a welcome; 

In demonstrative style it was given, 
And we greeted a soul now-born 

As not from New York, but Heaven. 

We mean to be social and feeling. 

And genial with man to-day. 
But, with joy and with sorrow familiar. 

We can't give thesi)irit its play. 
A funeral corte.ge is passing; 

'Tis little for that we care ; 
This bearing one off to be buried 

Is an everyday, common affair ; 
Twas not so, as you well may remember. 

We /(?//. when a spirit had fled ; 
There was sadness and doleful heart-sink- 
ing 

When we learned that a settler was dead ; 
From far and from near all gathered. 

Each countenance clouded with gloom. 
Subdued was the voices expression 

In view of the opening tomb. 
With heart-felt sorrow we buried 

The form that had yiehh d its breath. 
And sadly we tnrned"us homeward, 

O'erawed by the presence of death. 

With our bays we ride in a phaeton ; 

That is, my Mary and I, 
Some say yirc.ispeiity puffs ns, 

That our notions" are getting too high, 
Bnt I like my bays and phaeton ; 

\\ho don't? I would like to know. 
Myself, my girls and my Mary 

Delight in a little of show. 
But still we have not forgotten 

That, ere fashion had come this way, 
A sled drawn by Bright and Brindle, 

For ns was a turnout gay. 
With them we went on a "visit, 

t)r to meeting, when a preacher came; 
This was nothing our pride to humble, 

For our neighbors all did the same. 
My coat and my pants were seedy, 

Mary's dress was the worse for wear: 
We had no fine clothes for our children. 

But little for these did we care ; 
Content, with but hnmlile ambition. 

We were willing our life to begin. 
Well off as the rest, we were happy — 

Madam Grundy had not yet come in. 



396 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



But s>he came, as is ahvays her custom, 

And she opened our back-woods eyes; 
Her mission was that of the serpent 

To tlie settlers in Paradise. 
We saw that our homes were outlandish; 

And she made every one of us feel 
That we were barbarian rustics— 

In everything unjienteel, 
The romance from life was taken"; 

It lost all its primitive cheer; 
To be was no more our ambition. 

The struggle was now to appear. 
And here then began the hard labor, 

The charm of lite faded away ; 
Thus far we had worked for a living, 

Henceforth we must live for display. 

My Mary and I can do it, 

And we would not like to spare. 
For the sake of primeval enjoyment. 

These many new sources of care. 
If our object was just to be happy, 

We would live as the animals do — 
Social, loving, unthinking, 

Simple and ignorant, too. 
Now,Mary and I have a notion 

We would not be happy again ; 
That great is'the power of Mrs. Grundy 

For developing women and men. 

We came to the woods as we found them. 
The siruggle of life to begin ; 



Contented and happy while striving 

A home and a foitune to win. 
We have seen the forest receding. 

Farms and cities have taken its place; 
Seen Nature give place to culture, 

And all wear a different face. 
And we hope that we have expanded 

As f.irtuue has given us chance; 
That mental and moral improvement 

Keeps pace with the region's advance. 
But still we will look back with pleasure ; 

To-niglit we will not be wise. 
We'll think not of present or future, 

Or of time, how qui(;kly it flies ; 
We have met to enjoy and live over 

The days when our pleasures were few, 
To foster the spirit fraternal, 

And the ties of past years to renew. 

One by one our voices are failing"; 

There is a summons that's waiting us 
all; 
One by one our friends have responded ; 

Who next will respond to the call ? 
'Tis the wish of myself and my Mary, 

That as long as exi tence shall last. 
With mind and with fortune expanded, 

We may cling to the soul of the past. 
That over our final departure 

A halo of light may appear, 
That our record of life may be stainless, 

And our graves be bedewed by a tear. 



SCHOOLS IN GBAND EAPIDS. 

At first, tlie fe"w settlers at what is now the city, availed 
themselves of the Mission SchooL Who first started any other 
school is so much in doubt and dispute that it will be passed by 
as unsettled. It is by some of the old residents confidently as- 
serted that the first school, other than tlie Mission School, 
was tauglit by Sophia Page, daughter of Dea. Page, near 
where stands the Morton House. Her married name is 
Bacon. A school by Reed's Lake was started in the winter 
of 1834, by two young girls, Euphemia Davis, daughter of 
Ezekiel Davis, and Sophia Reed, daughter of Lewis Reed. 
This school, for the families immediately around there, was in 
the upper part of a log house ; and M^as maintained by those 
girls for the most of a year. This Miss Davis is now the wife 
of Dr. Jewett, a missionary in India, among the Telegoos. 
Sophia Reed, as the wife of Dixon Davis, died ITov. 1863, 
leaving a large family. 

The next year a school house was built (probably the first 
in the Valley), and a young man named Francis Prescott, 
taucrht durinc: the winter. This Mr. Prescott came out as a 
car])enter and land-looker; while here, married a lady who 
was assisting Mr. Slater in the Mission School; returned to 



GEAND EIVEE Y ALLEY. 397 

I^ew York, where lie studied tlieology, and became a Baptist 
preacher. In 1854, he returned to Grand Rapids as j^astor of 
the Baptist Church, which post he very acceptably tilled for 
several years. He afterwards went to Laphamville — now 
Rockford — where he died of apoplexy, Jan. 7th, 1864, aged 
fifty years. He was a man of most sterling qualities, of good 
ability, and a very useful preacher. 

Attention was very early given to higher education; and 
for many years the high schools eclipsed the others. The first 
Higli School was started by Mr. Henry Seymour (see bio- 
gi-aphical article). A charter for a academy was procured 
and his school became the Academy. Mr. Seymour was suc- 
ceeded for about two years, by Addison Ballard. Mr. Ballard 
resigned to enter the ministry. In the fall of 1846, Mr. Bal- 
lard was succeeded in the Academy by Franklin Everett. Mr. 
Ballard was a man of fine culture, a gentleman and scholar. 
He is at present a popular Doctor of Divinity ; has been a 
professor in colleges the greater part of the time. Mr. Everett 
was at first assisted by his wife and Thomas Gumming 
(afterwards acting Governor of Nebraska). Mr. E. and his 
Avife kept up the school twenty-six years. There has been no 
<»ther academic school which has had any permanency. The 
reason is, the Union School had an academic character, and 
being nearly free, rendered private schools nearly impossible. 
Of the temporary schools, those of Mrs. Janes and Mr. Cock 
are spoken of in the sketch of Grand Rapids in 1846. That 
was particularly the time of private schools, the Union School 
not having been started, and the common schools slighted. A 
few years later a charter for a college at Grand Rapids was 
obtained, and under the charter an academic school was started 
with the Rev. Mr. Taylor as principal, with an able corps of 
assistants. The school lasted but two or three years. A few 
years after, the Rev. Mr. Staples opened a female seminary 
which he maintained for a few years with much credit to him- 
self. He gave it up for the ministry. 

In 1848, a movement was started to organize a union 
school. A Mr. Marsh, a man of great ability, was teaching 
one of the district schools. The result of the movement be- 



SOS MEMORIAT.S OP THE 

gim by liim was, tliat the two districts east of tlie river were 
united, and a stone building three stories high, cajiable of ac- 
rjonimodating 300 vscholars, was erected in 1849, and opened in 
Kovemljer* It was a plain buikling, just west of the present 
central sclioohhousBv 

The school was opened under the charge of a Mr. Johnson 
from Western New York, assisted by Miss Hollister (now Mrs. 
Wm. M. Ferry, of Grand Haven); Miss Webster (now Mrs. 
John Ball, of Grand Eapids); Miss Hinsdill (now Mrs. Jones, 
of Denve?'), and Miss White (now Mrs. Whipple, of Grand 
Rapid s)v 

Mr. Johnson, though an able, and otherwise successful teacher, 
failed to satisfy himself at Grand Kapids, and left at the end 
of the first term. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. Ballard, 
who had charge tor three years. lie was succeeded by Profes- 
sor Edward W. Cheesbi-o, who was in charge several yeare. He 
was a man exceedingly devoted to his work. He was stricken 
"down in his school-room; and with intellect wasted to nothing, 
died in about two years, Jan. ^^Ist, 1862, aged 43. The inscrip- 
tion on his monument in Oak Hill Cemetery, most justly char- 
acterizes him. This monument is the tribute of his pupils: 

■"His was a teacher's hearty 
With zeal that never tired^ 
And tliousand souls beat liighef, 
By his single soul inspired." 

Prof. Banforth, with Prof. Strong as academic teacher, suc- 
ceeded Cheesbro. U]X»n the retirement of Prof. I),, Prof. 
Strong succeeded to the superintendency with Prof. Daniels as 
chief of the academic department. Tliey have since changed 
places^ 

In the meantime, the school 1ms been growing. The stone 
building was found to be insufficient, and ward schoohhonses 
Were built for the younger scholars. 

In 1853, a union school was estal»lished on the west side, 
and the Rev. J. Ballard was placed in charge. 

By specia! act, the whole city was made one school district, 
under the control of a Board of Education. The Union 



GKAND mVEK VALLEY, 890 

School on tlie West side became one of tKe secondary 
schools. 

"With a brief statement of the present status of the school, 
gathered from the Annual Report fur 187G, this article will 
be closed: 

SCaOOIj TtOUSES, Wltlt TITIilll CAPACITY AKO COST. 

No. rooms. Cost, Seats, 

Central, on Lyon Street, 21 , , $85,000 6C0 

Union, "Turner" 21 65,000 600 

Primary No, 1, Bridge 5 25,000 •. , . , 300 

" 2, S. Division ..,..,,, 5 . , , 16.000 270 

" ;3, Fountain. ....,,,., 9 38,000 450 

" 4. Wealthy Av 6 27.000 850 

" 5, Grandville 2 10,000 120 

" 6, Turner 5 ' 6,000 230 

" 7, Ionia St 8 26,000 .370 

" 8, Jefierson 7 18,000 370 

" 9, Center 4 9,000 200 

Spring St 4 4,000 200 

Cold Brook. Leonard St , . . . 2 6,000 150 

Leonard St 2 5,000 1.50 

"Whole number of teachers, with the superintendent, 89; 
salaries to two teachers, $2,500; one teacher, $1,800; one 
teacher, $1,500; two teachers, $1,200; three teachers, $1,000; 
one teacher, $800; one teacher, $700; two teachers, $600, 
The other salaries are j^raded from $520 to $360 per 3'ear; 
aggregating $44,579, Expenses and outlay for schools and 
school-houses during the year, $107,687,58. Value of school 
property, 340,000. Knmber of children from five to twenty, 
$8,900, Bonded debt, 63,000, Library, 8,557 volumes. 

The range of Instruction is that of the best academies — fit- 
ting students for college or the counting-house. Latin, Greek. 
German and French are in the regular or special courses of the 
school. Beginning feebly in 1849, it has attained its present 
high condition by successive steps — each an advance. At first it 
had a slight hold on the confidence of the people, and had to make 
its way against the overshadowing influence of the private 
schools, and the opposition of tax-payers; in addition to the 
unwillingness of the people to submit to the strictness of rules, 
so indispensable * in large concentrated schools. Now the 



400 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

Union Scliool is the school of the city, and tlie people are 
proud of it, as tlieir noblest institution. Its influence is over- 
shadowing; the j)eople freely sustain it; and for making it a 
free school in all its departments, are willing to submit to 
severe taxation. The turning point in public sentiment in 
i-egard to the Union School, was during the time it was under 
tlie administration of Professor Cheesbro. He was not, in the 
common acceptation of the term, a great man. But for whole- 
souled devotion to his business, administrative talent, and the 
(jualities that go to make up a good teacher, he had few equals. 
A man of the purest character, devoted to his business, untir- 
ing in labor, he v^ore out what was the finest constitution; 
killing himself, in fact, body and mind, by his exhausting 
labors. He I'ests in Oak Hill cemetery. No history of Grand 
Rapids would be complete, that did not recognize Prof. Chees- 
bro as one of the great powers instruinental in its develop- 
ment. His field was mind^ and the effect of his life will be 
on future generations. Though short his life, it answered life's 
great end. His expressive epitaph, given above, tells but the 
simple truth. It is no poetic fancy. 

KENT SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE. 

Sometime (tlie particular date not preserved) in the year 
1856, four men, the Hon. John Ball, James McKee, Wm. G. 
Henry, and A. O. Currier, chanced to meet in Mr. Ball's oflice 
and were talking on scientific subjects when Mr. Ball sug- 
gested the formation of a Lyceum of Natural History. Act- 
ing on the suggestion, a meeting was called and a society 
formed, under the name of "Lyceum of Natural History." 
The active members of which were A. O, Currier, John Ball, 
James McKee, Dr. Charles Shepard, Dr. Parker, Prof, P. 
Everett, Wright L. Coffinberry, Dr. DeCamp, and Wm. G. 
Henry. 

The meetings were kept up with a good degree of interest 
until the breaking out of the war, when it apparently ceased 
to exist. 

At the commencement of its operation, the society contem- 
plated having a museum and library. Prof. Everett had a 
cabinet of minerals, geological specimens, and fossils, which 



GRAJSTD KIVER VALLEY. 401 

he used in his academy, also an extensive botanical collecticn. 
These (without donating) he placed in the society's room. At 
the re-ori^auization, they were given. Mr. Currier and Dr. De 
Camp in a similar way placed their collections. Others con- 
tributed, and soon the society had a respectable little museum. 
Wlien the lyceum seemed to die, the contributors generally 
resumed possession of what was theirs. 

In the meantime, a boy, J. Wickwire Smith, liad rallied 
around him a number of youths in the Union School, and for 
several years they kept up a society called the Kent Institute. 
Of that band young Smith was the presiding genius. He 
infused his soul into the others, and their society was a bril- 
liant youthful success. 

In December, 1867, young Smith finding his health failing, 
and watching the slow progress of consumption, portending 
death, and knowing that his society would die with him, pro- 
])osed to the members of the old Lyceum of Natural History, 
that the two societies should be combined. This was effected 
Jan, 12th, 1868. Smith lived bnt a few months after the 
union had been accomplished. 

And here we will pause to pay a mei'ited tribute to one of 
the noblest youths that ever lived. Although he died at the 
age of 19, he has left an impress behind him which never will 
be obliterated. With talents of the highest order, a character 
of angelic purity, and an enthusiasm for Nature which knew 
no limit, he had the rare faculty of transfusing his spirit into 
others. AYherever he went, his greatness was recognized 
at once. Yet he was a bashful, modest youth, simple, child- 
like, and loving. He went to Florida in the vain hope of 
improved health. There he rallied around him a similar 
circle, who recognized his genius. He sunk and died. When 
his agonized lather asked where he chose to be buried, he said: 
" Bury me where tliere are the most butterflies." In his last 
days he wrote to tho Kent Institute, and bequeathed to them 
his collections. Let the Kent Scientific Institute never forget 
J. Wickwire Smith; for, young as he was, he is the real father 
of that institution. 

Briefly, it may be further stated, that an alliance was soon 

26 



402 MKMOKIALS OF TFIE 

formed between the Society and the Board of Education, and 
it has maintained an active existence. 

It has an extensive museum, and is known amono; the culti- 
vators of natural science in otlier j3arts of the world. It prom- 
ises to be one of tlie institutions of the West. 

BANiaNG IN GRAND KAPIDS. 

The following carefully digested article is from the pen of 
Harvey Ilollister, Esq., cashier of the Eirst iSTational Bank. 
Associated at first with Daniel Ball as his confidential clerk 
and cashier, and ever afterwards with the banking interests of 
the city, he may be considered as speaking ex cathedra: 

THE BANKING INTERESTS OP GRAND RAPIDS. 

The history of the banking interests of this city is a remarkable one in 
many respects. Less than a quarter of century has developed the entire 
system, and we may say that the last fifteen years have witnessed the rise 
and progress of all the banking institutions that now fill so important a 
jjlace in the prosperities of our city. The first bank or exchange office was 
started by Wm. J. Wells, now deceased, in 1852, in what was formerly 
known as the Rathbone block, or the " Wedge." With a very limited capital, 
Mr. Wells put out his modest sign, and offered to our merchants and busi- 
ness men his drafts on New York, Detroit, and Chicago, in exchange for the 
different sorts of cuiTcncy then offered, most of which, however, was George 
Smith & Co.'s Georgia money, and South Western Plank Road currency. A 
few months later, Mr. Daniel Ball offered to the business men of the town 
his drafts on the different cities of the country, to procure which it was 
necessary to mount up into the old wooden warehouse by outside stairs — sit- 
uated where now is the elegant office of the First National Bank. 

From year to year, until 1861, these two banking institutions, with com- 
paratively limited means, furnished all the banking facilities enjoyed by the 
good people, of a vigorous and growing town, and the country for many 
njiles about. Indeed, had it not been for the aid thus furnished many of 
the enterprises then originating and now developed into wonderful prosper- 
ity and dimensions, would never have attained any prominence whatever. 
Banking from 1850 to 1860 was a very different business in this country from 
banking at the present time. During those j-ears, no more hazardous busi- 
ness could be engaged in. What with a heterogeneous lot of irresponsible 
banks of issue scattered from Maine to Georgia (most of them in Georgia), 
b?set with a class of impecunious adventurers desiring and pressing 
for accommodations — with but very meager facilities for obtaining intel- 
ligence, or of transmitting moneys — it is no wonder that those who 
were engaged in the business often felt that they received but poor re- 
turn for all their risk and labor. The rate of exchange on New York 
was oftentimes enormous, at one time vising as high as ten per cent, 
on Illinois and Wisconsin Stock Bank Currency, and rarely running 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 40 3 

flown to less than one-half per cent, on any kind of paper money or coin. 
These high rates, at that time, were clue to two facts: 1st. The impossibility 
of converting' the Western currency into Eastern currency — it not being cur- 
rent farther East than this State; and, 2d. The high rates of the express 
companies for transmitting from the East to the West and back again. It 
became necessary, many times, in order to keep the New York accounts good. 
to send special messengers to Chicago or Detroit, in order to convert the mul- 
tifarious issues of paper money into New York drafts. With the incoming 
of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, in 1859, and the Plank Road to Kal- 
amazoo, these difficulties of transmitting currency were in a measure obvia- 
ted; but the business of banking, during the first ten years of its history, — 
surrounded by the uncertain values incident to an unorganized, unformed 
commercial community — was neither pleasant nor profitable. Nevertheless, 
both of the institutions were of great value to this new and rapidly growing 
section of the State, and would have undoubtedly continued in successful op- 
eration but for the losses attending the winding up and failure of the Illinois 
and Wisconsin banks, the currency of which, at the breaking out of the great 
rebellion, formed, together with the currency known as the "Daniel Ball 
currency," almost the entire circulation of the Grand River Valley. About 
the year 1860, Messrs. Ledyard & Aldrich opened a discount and exchange 
ofiice in the office formerly occupied by Mr. Wm. J. Wells — he having built 
for his especial use a neat wooden office, about where the entrance to the Ar- 
cade now is, in Powers' Block, and opposite to the imposing edifice of the 
City National Bank. At this date, the aggregate banking capital of the city 
could hardly have been more than $50,000 — certainly not more than $75,000. 
In May, 1861, Mr. Wm. J. Wells, owing to causes before referred to, was 
obliged to suspend operations; and in October, 1861, the Exchange Bank of 
Daniel Ball & Co. was also obliged to go into liquidation. It is only most 
proper here to record the facts, that both of these institutions yielded to the 
pressure of the times only after the most strenuous efforts to avert so great a 
ca' amity as it then seemed, both to themselves and to the community. And 
also to record the fact that, within a reasonable time, both Mr. Wells and 
Daniel Ball & Co. had the pleasure of liquidating in full their entire obliga- 
tions, with interest. 

Mr. William J. Wells, our first banker, was an early settler of our city. 
A man respected by all who knew him, and esteemed for his integrity, hon- 
orable and just dealings and blameless life. He died suddenly in 1874. 

Mr. Daniel Ball, our other pioneer banker, was noted for his energy and 
business ability, combining many other enterprises with his banking estab- 
lishment. He was a valuable part of a vigorous whole in the make-up of 
our early history, and his relinquishment of his business relations, and re- 
tirement from our city in 1866, left a large space which has not since been 
entirely filled. He died in New York in 1873. 

I have thus far omitted to mention the name of one Mr. R. Wells, who 
for a brief time held forth as a private banker and custodian of other peo- 
ple's money. His career was so brief, and yet so painful to some of our older 
inhabitants, that I will only say, that after making rwany promises to pay 
large rates of niterest, and obtaining several thousand dollars of the people's 



404 MEMOEIALS OF TUE 

money, lie suddenly left for parts unknown, finally turning up in Califor- 
nia, or somewhere upon the Pacific Slope, where he now lives. 

In December, 1861, Mr. M. L. Sweet opened the office formerly occupied 
by Messrs. Daniel Ball & Co., and he, together with Messrs. Ledyard and 
Fralic, who had succeeded, in 1880, Messrs. Ledyard & Aldrich, con- 
tinued until March 10, 1864, to transact the general banking business of 
the city. At this date, under the direction of several of our prominent 
business men, the First National Bank was organized and commenced ope- 
rations with Martin L. Sweet as president, and Hai'vey J. HoUister as 
cashier, with a capital paid in of $50,000. Even at this date, in the history 
of our city, this capital was deemed quite too large, and fears were enter- 
tained that it could not be safely invested in business paper. 

In 1865, about one year later, the City National Bank was organized and 
commenced business with Mr. T. D. Gilbert as President,and Mr. J. F. Baars 
as Cashier, with a capital of $100,000. The impetus given to all kinds of 
business by the large issues of the Government, growing out of the war, had 
its effect on our city to an unusual degree, both in the accumulation of de- 
posits, and also in the demand for banking accommodations, so that each 
year the two National banks found it necessary to increase their capacity in 
both capital and clerical force. In 1866, the First National Bank increased 
its capital to $100,000. In July, 1866, to $150,000. Again in 186S, it was 
increased to $200,000, and in 1871, to $400,000. Meantime, the City Na.tional 
Bank had increased its capital in 1867 to $200,000, in 1871 to $3)0,000, so 
that the present capital and undivided profits of the two banks amount to not 
less than $1,100,000. In 1869, the Banking House of E. P. & S. L. Fuller 
was opened and continued to do a prosperous and honorable business until 
1876, when they were succeeded by Messrs. Graff, Dennis & Co., a firm com- 
prised of young men who bid fair to retain the confidence reposed in their 
successors, being entirely reUable and responsible. In 1871, Mr. M. V. 
Aldrich, formerly of the banking firm of Ledyard & Aldrich, resumed the 
business of banking, and with an ample capital, succeeded rapidly to a lucra- 
tive business, his large line of deposits bearing testimony to the confidence 
reposed in his business capacity and financial ability, by the people. In 1874, 
Mr. L. H. Randall, associating with him Mr. Darragh, who had been for sev- 
eral years engaged in the business of banking in another section of the State, 
and the firm of Randall & Darragh was added to the list of sound Grand 
Rapids bankers. One more we must not fail to mention. The Grand Rap- 
ids Savings Bank, situated on the corner of Canal and Pearl streets, with a 
capital of $100,000, was organized about 1865. This institutition ought 
to be, and we trust will be, so managed that the savings of our laboring 
classes will be largely increased. The Savings Bank of this city should have 
not less than $500,000 deposits, and should confine itself strictly to the sav- 
ings depai'tment of business. It is a safe, reliable institution, and its officers 
only need to keep before the people the advantages of the saving system as 
they do in the larger cities of this and other States. This completes the list 
of banks and bankers that have been a part of the history of Grand Rapids, 
if we except, as we ought to do, that merciless swindler, Lauterette, who in two 
short years, defrauded our people out of about $75,000. He came here from 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 405 

the eastern part of the State, with some reputation as a banker and capital- 
ist, and with specious promises in the way of high rates of interest and low 
exchange, induced many of our citizens to do business with him. In a fit of 
insanity ( ?) he left us. The dividends on the investment thus thoughtlessly 
made by many worthy people, has been only nominal. 

The theory of the originator of our present national banking system in this 
country was, that safety, both to the stockholder and depositor, might be 
obtained. The experience of the two thousa.nd national banks scattered over 
the entire national domain, has fully sustained this theory — based, as it was, 
upon a careful system of inspection and supervision. 

The object of all well organized and well directed banking institutions is 
two-fold: .safety to all interested, and mutual profit — both to lender and 
borrower. The stockholder should have a fair return for his investment. The 
customer should be recognized as one receiving and conferring favors also. 
No bank can enjoy a high state of prosperity unless supported by a line of 
healthy commercial customers. No mercantile or commercial interests can 
thrive without ample banking capital at their command, on favorable terms. 
Both banker and customer are mutually dependent. 

GRAND RAPIDS CHURCHES IN 1876. 
CATHOLIC. 

St. Andrews — corner Sheridan and Maple streets. Membei'ship, 4,000. 
Church in process of erection, will cost $60,000. Father McManus, 
Pastor. 

St. .Tames — north side of Bridge street, between Broadway and Straight 
streets; west side. Membership, 3.000. Father Pulcher, Pastor. 

St. Mary's (west side, German) — corner of First and Turner streets. 
Father Ehrenstrassen, Pastor. 

BAPTIST. 

S. Graves, D. D., Pastor. Corner of Fountain and Bostwick streets. 
Membership, 500. Cost of church edifice, $80,000. 

CONGREGATIONAL. 

First Cong. Church — corner of Park and East Park streets. I. Morgan 
Smith, Pastor. Membership, 700. 

Second Cong. Church — corner of Grove and Plainfield avenues. E. C. 01- 
ney, Pastor. Membership, 85. 

EPISCOPAL. 

St. Mark's — east side of Division street, between Lyon and Fountain streets. 
Samuel Eaii^ Rector. Membership, 550. 

St. Paul's — east side of Turner, between Third and Fourth streets; west 
side. Sidney Beckwith, Pastor. Membership, 180. 

Good Shepherd — north-east College avenue and East Bridge street. W. 
K. Knowlton, Pastor in charge. 

Grace Church — Northeast corner Wealthy Avenue and Prospect streets 
W. K. Knowlton, Rector. 



406 MEMORIALS OF THE 

CHURCU OP CHRIST. 

Corner of Lj'on and Division streets. S. E. Pierce, Pastor. Membership, 
seventy-five. 

LUTHERAN. 

German Lutheran — southeast corner of East Bridg'e and Division streets. 
Henry Koch, pastor. Membership, 400. 

Swedish Lutheran — east side of Sinclair, between Bridge and Hastings 
streets. No pastor. 

PRESBYTERIAN. 

Westminster — still occupjang their old house on theU. S. lot by suffei'ance. 
Preparing to build. F C. Kendall, Pastor. Membership 200. 

First Presbyterian Church — coAier 1st and Scribner sti-eets; west side. 
W. A. Fleming, Pastor. Membership, 112. 

METHODIST, 

Division Street Church — comer of Division and Fountain streets. F. F. 
Hildreth, Pastor. Membership, 400. 

2d Street Methodist Church — corner Turner and 2d streets, west side- 
Geo. D. Lee, Pastor. Membership, 250. 

German M. E. Church — corner Bridge and Turner streets, west side, 
Henry Pullman, Pastor. Membership, 65. 

Zion M. E. Church (colored) — north side, Withey, between Jefferson and 
Center streets. M. Butler, Pastor. 

Wesleyan Methodist — corner Turner and Crosby streets. Obed Tapley, 
Pastor. 

HEBREW. 

Congregational Emanuel — place of worship, comer Ionia and Mon- 
roe streets, in Godfroy's Block. Emanuel Gerecter, Rabbi. Membership, 
40. 

REFORMED CHURCHES. 

First English — North Division street. Peter Moerdyk, Pastor. Member- 
ship, 85. 

Second Reformed (Holland) — corner of Bostwick and Lyon streets. N. H. 
Dosker, Pastor. Membership, 650. 

Third Reformed (Dutch)— Fulton street, east of the city limits. Adrian 
Kriekaard, Pastor. 

Fourth Reformed — Legrand, near Taylor street. No Pastor. 

Christain Reformed— No. 200 North Division street. C. Cloppcnbcry, 
Pastor. Membership, 300. 

True Dutch Reformed — Spring, near Island street. G. E. Boer. Pastor- 
Membership, 1,500. 

SWEDENBORGIAN. 

The society has scarcely an active existence. They own the building cor- 
ner of Lyon and Division streets. 



GRAND EIVEE VALLEY. 407. 

UNIVERSALIST. 

First Universalist — Pearl street, between Ottawa and Jonia. Charles 
Fluker, Pastor. 

SPIRITUALIST. 

They have an association of about eighty members, but own no property, 
and have no reguUxr place of meeting 

A few of the Grand Eapids churches are properly historical, being m their 
several ordei's pioneers, and pai-ent churches. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, GRAND RAPIDS. 

As is noted elsewhere, 1836-7 brought many people to Grand Rapids; a 
mixture of all sorts. As like seeks like in crystalization, so people with re- 
ligious opinions seek out those with whom they can sympathize. There was 
the Mission, which was for a time the nucleus of the Baptists. A few were 
Methodists, who banded themselves; a few had Episcopal procUvities; some 
were Catholic, and to them the sainted Vizoski was spiritual leader. There 
were some 25 or 30 whose preferences were Presbyterian or Congregational. 
These, headed by Deacon Page and Samuel Howland, took measures to or- 
ganize a church. They agreed that it should be Presbyterian, as there were 
no Congregational churches anywhere near. The first preacher was James 
A. McCoy, who served them about a year, and came out Episcopalian. The 
meetings were held at first in the dining room of the Old National Hotel; 
afterwards in the Court House. In October, 1838, they invited the Kev. J. 
Ballard, then preaching at Grandville, to become their pastor. He held that 
position until the 1st of Jan., 1848. In the meantime, the church, following 
the pi-edilections of most of its members, had become Congregational. This 
was done in 1839. In 1841, the society bought the Campau (Cathohc) Church, 
paying about $3,500 for it. In the purchase they were greatly aided by 
people at the East. Mr. Ballard was followed by Rev. Thomas Jones, who 
stayed three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Henry L. Hammond, who 
stayed five years; left in 1857; succeeded by Rev. S. S. Greeley, who also 
ministered five years; a part of the time on furlough as chaplain in the 
amiy. The present incumbent, Rev. J. Morgan Smith, commenced his labors 
in 1863. 

The first Church, in 1872, was sold; converted into stores, and soon went up 
in smoke. At the same time the present structure was built by Paik Place; 
costing some $70,000. Membership about 500. 

EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Among the earlier settle: s were a few whose predilections were toward the 
Episcopal church — three or four who were members of the order. An effort 
was made to establish the nucleus of a church in the fall of 1836; seventeen 
men signing an article, by which they banded themselves, under the name of 
"The Parish of St. Mark's Church." Nothing, however, seems to have 
been done, further than electing a set of church officers. 

Again, in the summer of 1838, by a similar article, signed by thirteen per- 
S011.S, a band, or "Association," as it was called, under the title of "St. 



408 MEMORIALS OF TIIE 

Mark's Church," made a preliminaiy organization. Their names were Geo. 
Coggershall, John Almy, C. I. Walker, George Martin, Charles Shepard, 
James Lyman, John Parnell, Wm. A. Richmond, Thomas B. Church, John 
P. Calder, Henry P. Bridge. 

It seems that little was done, further than electing a board of officers, a 
year afterwards, Nov. 18th, 1839. That may be given as the date of the 
active existence of the church or society. At this time, a call was given to 
the Rev. Melanchthon Hoyt to become the pastor. A room was secured for 
public services in Mr. Bridge's store. 

April 26th, 1840, measures were taken to obtain the recognition of the As- 
sociation as a church. At the same date, preliminaries were arranged for 
erecting a church. A lot was given by Charles Carroll and Lucius Lyon, 
N. W. corner, at the crossing of Bronson and Division streets. The lot im- 
mediately west was purchased for $100, and on them a church 27x41 feet, 14 
feet posts, was erected; and consecrated April 5th, 1841. There is no record 
of the date of the consecrating by the bishop. Tlie date given is the date of 
the record of the deed of consecration. 

Jan. 11th, 1842, Mr. Hoyt sent to the church the alternative — to install hnn 
as rectoi', or that he should resign his charge. The church accepted his 
resignation with expressions of esteem and regret. 

May 24th, 1843, a call was extended to the Rev. (smce Dr.) Francis Gum- 
ming, who soon commenced his labors. The precise date of his assuming 
the office is uncertain. On the records of December 25th, he is shown as 
rector. Dr. Gumming took hold with energy, and under his charge the 
church increased in numbers and strength. In 1848, November 18th, the 
second church was consecrated. This church was the front part — minus the 
towers — of the present edifice. The building has been twice enlarged, and 
modified — first in 1855, and atterwards in 1871. 

May 21st, 1861. Dr. Gumming notified the church that he had accepted the 
position of chaplain of the Third Michigan Infantry; and leave of absence 
was given him. The 10th of the following September, he resigned. (See Bio- 
graphical Article.) 

Dr. Gumming was followed by Dr. I. P. Tustin, who came July 22d, 18G3; 
and was the much beloved pastor until June 10th, 1870. 

Oct. 25th, 1870, the Rev. Sanmel Earp was called. He tilled the place very 
acceptably until April Isfc, 1877, when he resigned. The church has COO 
communicants. 

This church has branched into several; by opening mission Sabbath Schools 
in different parts of the city, the nucleus of churches has been established. 

St. Paul's Memorial (west side) — April 20th, 1871, present number, 92 
' communicants; and Cliurch of the Good Shepherd, comer of College Avenue 
and Bridge streets. S3pt. lOth, 1873. with 60 communicants, are no longer de- 
pendent on St. Marks; and are under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Sydney 
Beckwith. 

Grace Chapel, on Wealthy Avenue, with 51 communicants, is under the 
charge of the Rev. Wm. H. Knowlton. 

Connected with the St. Marks Church, the St. Marks Home, a place of 
refuge lor the destitute and a hospital for the sick, was opened Feb. 15t!i, 



GRAND KR'EK VALLEY. 409 

1875; which, during the first year of its existence admitted 148 jDersons; ex- 
pending between two and three thousand dollars; mostly the contributioii of 
those connected with St. Mark's Church. To this " Home " Dr. Piatt con- 
tributes his daily attendance. It is also a free dispensary of medicines to the 
poor. The buildings are given rent free by Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Fuller. 

It may be here remarked that Grand Rapids is the only town where the 
Episcopal denomination has secured a leadmg position. Most of the other 
churches are recent and at present comparatively feeble. The following con- 
densed summary of them is from the Bishop's Report for the year 1876. The 
year against each church, is the date of its organization. 

Cedar Springs — Kent county, 1875, mission; com. 2. 

St. Mark's Mission — Goopersville, Ottawa county, 1874; com. 11. 

St.Paul's— Courtland, 1860; com. 12. 

St. John's— Grand Haven; 1874; Rev. Wm. Stone, Rector, com. 90. 

Grace — Holland; 1867; Rev- I. Rice Taylor, Rector; com. 26. 

St. Johns — Ionia, 1848; com. 93. No rector. 

Holy Trinity— Mission — Lowell, 1875; com. 10. 

St. iPaul's— Muskegon, 1867; com. 58. Vacant. 

Christ's— Plainfield, 1851; com. 4. 

St. Paul's— Mission— Portland, 1872; com. 4. 

Rockford — Mission — Kent county, 1874; com. 13. 

Sand Lake Mission — Kent county, 1875; com. 4. 

Trinity — Saranac, Ionia county, I860; com. 55. Rev.L. L. Rogers, Rector. 

Church of the Redeemer — Whitehall, Muskegon county, 1870; com. 12. 
Rev. Robert Wood, Rector. 

It will be seen that St. John's?, at Ionia, is the only one that is not recent, 
excepting the one at Plainfield, which can hardly be said to exist. The 
strono" footing which the order has in Grand Rapids, is mainlj' attributable 
to the enei-getic action of the Rev. Dr. Gumming in early years, placing it at 
once among the leadmg churches. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The special interest that historically attaches to a church, centers around 
its origin and early progress. This church is in the Grand River Valley, the 
Pioneer, originating in the Indian Mission, which ant'3-dated settlem:^nt. 

On the removal of the Indians, in 1836, the few Baptists, viz: Dea. H. 
Stone, Capt. Thomas Davis, Ezekiel Davis, Abram Randall and wife, Zelotis 
Bemis and a Mr. Streeter, banded themselves, and under the pastoral guid- 
ance of Elder V/ooster, held meetings in a room in the National Hotel. They 
afterwards had the services of the Rev. T. Z. R. Jones, an able man, who was 
partly sustained by the Missionary Society. They held their meetings in the 
little school house on Prospect Hill, about west of the U. S. Building. 
Additions were made to their number. But, unhappily, dissension marred 
their prosperity. Elder Jones left, and for many yeai's they were like sheep 
without a shepherd. They had no stated supply until 1848, when having se- 
cured for themselves the house erected by the Episcopal church, and em- 
ployed the Rev. C. A. Jennison, a man of fine culture, and of noble charac- 
teristics, the church seemed to spring into active life, and to prosper. 



410 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Failing health compelled the resignation of Elder Jennison, and he left, soon 
to die. He was succeeded by the Rev. A. J. Bingham, son of the Mackinaw 
Missionary; also a man of culture, and an able preacher. Mr. B. stayed 
about three years. He was followed by Rev. J^-ancis Prescott, a most wor- 
thy man and efficient preacher, who left for missionary work in the northern 
towns of the county in 1856. The church then called the Rev. L. M. Wood- 
ruff, of Malone. N. J. Here commences a period over which history may as 
well draw a veil. The result was, the church was divided into two unfra- 
ternal bodies — the First and the Tabernacle churches, which division lasted 
until 1869, when the two churches were united. The First Church was de- 
pendent for a time on temporary supply. Afterwards for five years the Rev. 
Mr. Van Winkle was tbeiv pastor, who was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. 
Butterfield. They built a small brick church, where the Baptist church 
now is. 

The Second or Tabernacle Church was for a year or so under the ministra- 
tion of the said Woodruff, followed for two or three years by C. B. Smith, D. 
D., who was followed by the Rev. Mr. Reed. They had a house of worship 
on Division street, south of the U. S. Building. 

At the above date, 1869, the two noble-souled pastors, Butterfield and 
Reed, deeply regretting the divided state of the Baptists, both resigned, as a 
step preliminary to a harmonious union of the two churches. This union 
was soon eft'ecied. The Rev. Dr. Graves was called to take pastoral charge. 
?5teps were taken to erect a church, which was completed in 1877 — a building 
which speaks for itself, costing $75,000. 

Since the union, the church has been prospered, now numbering 500 mem- 
bers, in harmonious action, under an able leader. 

It may here be briefly said that the early history, before 1846, is one of 
missteps, by means of which they lost the vantage gi'ound they had at the 
first, dissatisfying many who, in their days of struggle and feebleness, would 
liave come in with them. Its onward progress commenced with the very 
acceptable labors of the noble Jennison. The dark day again commenced in 
1856. The early pastors, Jennison, Bingham and Prescott, all of blessed 
memory, are dead. Two of them, Prescott and Bingham, rest in Fulton 
Street Cemetery. T. Z. R. James, at a good old age, after a life of useful- 
ness, died in 1876, at or near Kalamazoo. The orignal members of the 
church are all also dead. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This was one of the pioneer churches, started under the auspices of the 
Ohio Conference. By that conferenee, in August, 1835, a mission was formed, 
called the "Grand River Mission," extending all along the Grand River; 
to which Osband Monette was appointed; and the district was called "Ann 
Arbor." Henry Coldazer was Presiding Elder. Preaching was had in pri- 
vate houses at Grand Rapids, once in four weeks. 

In May, 18o6, the Michigan Conference was created. At its first session, 
held in September, Frederick A. Seaburn was appointed to the Grand River 
Mission. Seaburn 's mission was less than a year; he being, by an indig- 
nant populace, rode out of town for lewd conduct, and e.\p(;lled from the 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 411 

Conference. It is to be hoped that in after years, he brought forth fruits 
meet for repentance. But after his inglorious expulsion from Grand Rapids 
and the Conference, he disappears from the Methodist horizon. 

In 1837, one Mitchell, was appointed to the Grand River Mission. The 
district was called " Flint River." Samuel P. Shaw presiding. 

The original class was started in 1835, consisting (as the record is lost, in- 
dividual memory is relied upon) of Knowlton P. Pettibone and wife, Mehit- 
abel Stone, Mrs. Chilson, Mrs. Van Amburg, Mrs. Slitec, Cornelia Hopkins 
and Maiy E. Norton. There soon joined it: Mrs. J. Turner, Mrs. E.Turner, 
Wm. Anderson and wife, and James Ewing and wife. 

From this small beginning its growth has been steady, not paroxysmal. 
It has always been a live body. 

From the earliest times it had to compete with Catholic, Reformed, Con- 
gregational, Baptist and Episcopal churches, all organized at about the same 
time, and in a sparse population. Of course, all must be feeble, but none of 
the feeble ones died. With its intense inherent vitality, a Methodist society 
never dies. 

Until 1842, its preaching was by those who rode (or walked) the circuit. 

The first church (now used as part of a livery stable) was erected in 1843; 
was enlarged in 1851. It was originally about 30 by 40 feet; a very simple 
concern, built not for display, but for purposes of worship. The present edi- 
fice was dedicated in 1870; was erected at an expense of f 50,000. 

The church has twice swarmed, giving rise to the West Side and East 
Street churches. 

The circuit or stationed preachers have been: 

Circuit— Monette, Seabum, Mitchell and Frieze, aforementioned; 1837, R. 
R. Richards and A. Staples; 1849, E. Crippin and Daniel Bush; 1841, Cook 
and Stanley. 

Stationed— 1842, Franklin Gage; 1844, A. M. Fitch; 1846, J. E. Parker; 
1847. M. B. Camburn; 1848, R. Rejmolds; 1849, J. Summerville; 1850, F. 
A. Blades; 1852, A. J. Eldred; 1854, R. Sapp; 1856. J. Boynton; 1857, H. 
Morgan; 1859, M. A. Daugherty; 1861, D. R. Latham; 1862, Wm. Rork; 
1863^ J. W. Robinson; 1865, J. Jennings; 1866, A. J. Eldred; 1869, Geo. 
W.Joslyn; 1871, Henry Spencer; 1874, T. F. Hildreth. 

The present membership is about 450. The location of the church has 
been unchanged — the old edifice giving place to the new. 

SOCIETIES IN GKAND EAPIDS. 

Hebrew Benevolent Society, 1869. 

Kent Scientific Institute, 1865. 

Public Library, 1872. 

St. Mark's Home, 1872. 

Old Residents' Association, 1858. 

Medical and Surgical Society, 1864. 

Kent Sportsman's Club, 1875. 

Ladies' Literary Society, 1873. 

West Side Ladies' Literary Society, 1875. 



412 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



MASONIC. 
Gran I Rapids Lodge, No. 34; instituted March 19th, 1849. 
Valley City Lodge, No. 86, 1856. 
Humboldt Lodge, No. 276, 1869. 
Grand Rapids Chapter, No. 7; chartered 1851. 
Tyre Council, R. & S. Masters, No. 10, 1876. 
Masonic Mutual Benefit Association, 1875. 
Knights Templar, De Moiai Commandery, 1856, 
A. A. Scottish Rite, Moriah Lodge of Perfection, 1869 
Cyrus Council of Princes, 1869. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

The Pioneer Lodge was Irving Lodge, No. 11, of Michigan, chartered 
in 1846. It had an active existence for a number of years, when, owing to 
some unpleasant feeling, indifference to the lodge succeeded, and it ceased 
to be an acting body. In 1858, it was, under fairer auspices, i-e-oi-ganized 
as " Grand Rapids Lodge," and continues to be a live institution. Its pres- 
ent membership is 102. 

Enterpri.se Lodge, No. 212. Organized 1873. Membership, 70. 

Walhalla Lodge (German), No. 249. Members, 40. Organized, 1875. 

West side Lodge, No. 250. Organized, 1875, Members, 60. 

Grand Rapids Encampment. 

BANKS IN GRAND RAPIDS. 

First National Bank. 1865, Capital, $550,00. 
City National Bank, 1865. Capital, $300,000. 
Grand River Savings Bank, 1870. Capital, $100,000. 

INCORPORATED COMPANIES. 

Berkey & Gay, Furniture Company, 1873. Capital, $500,000. 
Capon & Bertseh, Leather Company, 1875. Capital, $200,000. 
Grand Rapids Boom Co., 1870. Capital, $50,000. 
Grand Rapids Brush Co., 1873. Capital, $100,000. 
Grand Rapids Gas Light Co., 1857. 
Grand Rapids Chair Co., 1872. Capital, $300,000. 
Grand Rapids Manuiacturing Co. $84,000. 
Grand Rapids Novelty Works, 1874. Capital, $100,000. 
Grand Rapids Plaster Co., 1856. Capital, $500,000. 
Michigan BaiTel Co., 1875. Capital, $300,000. 
Michigan and Ohio Plaster Co., 1875. Capital, $100,000. 
Phoenix Furniture Co., 1872. Capital, $300,000. 

Street Railway (first) from the head of Monroe street to the D. & M. 
Railroad, 1868. 

Union Stave Co., 1874. Capital, $50,000. 
Widicomb Furniture Co., 1865. Capital, $150,000. 



GKAJTD KTVEE VALLEY. 413 



OTTAWA AND MUSKEGON COUNTIES. 

GRAND HAVEN, 

The first occupation of Grand Haven was by Rix Kobinson, 
who pre-empted a quarter section, where now is tlie water 
front of the city. He there established a trading post. 

In the spring of 1S34, Zenas G. Winsor, then aj'^oung man, 
came to Grand Haven, as Robinson's agent. Winsor w^as the 
lirst English speaking person, who stopped there. His place 
of business was near the "Ferry" warehouse. 

Tlie Rev. William M. Ferry is to be considered the first 
settler. He had been for some years a missionary teaclier at 
Mackinaw. Broken in health, he left Mackinaw, and went 
East, where, in the summer of 1854, he encountered Robert 
Stewart, who induced him to enter into an arrangement, which 
caused him henceforth to become a man actively engaged in 
business, 

Stewart had purchased of Robinson one-half of his interest 
in the pre-emption. He placed certain funds in the hands of 
Ferry, with which he was to operate, sharing the results, 
making Grand Haven his center. Ferry associated wnth him 
liis brother-in-law, Kathan H. White, and came on from De- 
troit by land, Tliey, Ferry and White, arrived September 15, 
1834, in a canoe, with two Indians, furnished by Mr. Slater at 
Grand Rapids. They found Rix Robinson and his family, 
the only white persons. Louis Campau had an agent, a French- 
man, at the Lower Diggings, at the mouth, on the left bank of 
the river. Robinson was busy getting ready for his fall cam- 
paign, yet he spent several days showing Ferry his pre-emp- 
tions. The one-half of these had been purchased by the 
Grand Haven Company, consisting of Robinson, Ferry and 
White, as equal partners. Of this company, Mr, Ferry was 
constituted asent. 



414 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Business arrangements being concluded, Mr. Ferry started 
for his family at Mackinaw in a birch canoe, with two Indians. 
Returning, he brought with him a number of persons, mostly 
Indians and half-breeds. Robinson came back about the same 
time, bringing with him Mr. Laslej> 

The same season, the Grand Haven Co. laid out the village 
of Grand Haven. The company built a mill, bought largo 
tracts of land, bought two mills at Grandville, employed Ne- 
hemiah Hathaway and George and Dexter Itanney to get out 
logs at the mouth of Crockery Creek, to supply the mills. 
They engaged in building river boats. In 1838, they built a 
steamer called the Owashtenaw, a large stern-wheel boat, too 
large for the business, as it. was then. This was not the first 
boat, the "Gov. Mason" having been built the year before. 
She run one or two years, at a loss to the owners, and was 
burned at the burning of the big mill. 

The Grand Haven Company did business some five or six 
years, operating in land and lumber; managing to use up in- 
stead of making money. At one time a raft of 200,000 feet 
was lost in the lake; at another, 30,000 logs. On the whole, 
after spending some $100,000, the business proving unprofita- 
ble, the company disbanded; dividing the property by friendly 
arbitration, oacli pocketing heavy losses. 

Having traced the Grand Haven Company to its final burial, 
we may as well go back to the time when Ferry returned, 
bringing with him his bosom friend, P. C. Duvernay, and fam- 
ily. They stopped with Rix Robinson during the winter. 
The building, in which twenty-one persons were quartered, was 
16 by 22. The accommodations were not such as would be 
agreeable to those accustomed, as some of them were, to the 
refinements of civilization. A part of the twenty-one slept in 
the loft of the cabin, and a part in a vessel that wintered in 
the harbor. Nevertheless, they were buoyed by hope, and the 
voice of praise and thanksgiving went up among them. Fer- 
ry and his company arrived on Sunday morning, Nov. 22d. 
They landed none of their stores, but in Mr. Robinson's shan- 
ty, like the Pilgrims at Plymouth 214 years before, united in 
solemn worship, Mr. Ferry preaching from Zachariah, iv,, 



GRAND EIVEE VALLET. 415 

10: ""Who liatli despised the day of small things?" Thus, as 
it were, the iirst act was an act of prayer and praise; and thus 
they consecrated the future village and city to God. 

At the time of Mr. Ferry's arrival, the nearest white neigh- 
bors were thirty miles distant. At the south, ten miles up the 
Kalamazoo River, lived a family named Butler. At the east 
there were a family or two, up Buck Creek, in Kent county. 
On the river there were a very few at Grandville and Grand 
Kapids; at tlic north, none nearer than Mackinaw. 

In the spring of 1835, Kathan Troop and family arrived 
from Canada, descending the river from Grand Rapids in a 
canoe; Thomas W. White, Thomas D. Gilbert, Miss Mary A. 
White; also, forty-two Robinsons, kindred of the pioneer, Rix 
Robinson, who came in a schooner by way of Mackinaw. They 
settled at dift'erent points up the river. Dr. Timothy East- 
man, from Maine, came during the summer. Wm. Hathaway 
and William Bntts came from Canada, and commenced build- 
ing a steam mill at Grand Haven. This niill was after- 
wards owned by Troop and Ferry. Mr. Troop built a 
warehouse furCampau, at the "Lower Diggings," which, witJi 
the land on which it stood, has disappeared, through the en- 
croachments of the river. Mr. Troop was a carpenter. Capt, 
David Carver came to trade with Clark B, Albee, as his clerk. 
Carver failed in 1837; went to California with Fremont, and 
perished on that suffering expedition. 

Robinson, White and Williams built a warehouse in 1835, 
;ind D. Carver another in 1837. The warehouse, long occu- 
I'ied by Albee, w^as built by John F. Stearns, who afterwards 
engaged in lumbering business on the Muskegon. 

The " Lower Diggings " warehouses were tirst occupied by 
Thomas Lewis, of Grand Isle (a genius and a coU), and by 
Peter Andree, of Detroit. 

In the fall of '35 came on Luke A, White, who stayed awhile; 
w^ent back, and returned with Dr. Stephen Williams. Robin- 
son, White and Williams formed a partnership for general 
Imsiness — the first regular mercantile firm at Grand Haven. 

Col. Hathaway came in the fall of '36, and acted as lumber 
agent tor the Grand Haven Company. He afterwards re- 



416 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

moved to Graiidville. He was a man greatly esteemed, whole- 
souled and manly. About tliis time arrived James Clydesdell, 
with seven children, twelve shillings in money, and some 
portable effects. He did not remain poor, for industry and 
pluck are not permanent allies of poverty. 

In the winter of 1835-6, starvation threatened the infant 
colony. All along the river the remembrance is of "short com- 
mons;" provisions, other than what was obtained by hunting, 
almost unattainable. The Grand Haven Company had money; 
and made ample arrangements for food for those in their em- 
ploy. They had purchased a winter's supply in Detroit and 
Ohio, and shipped around the lakes. The vessel had the stores 
of merchandise and an abundant supply of pork, flour, &c., 
and was expected to arrive before the close of navigation; but 
was wrecked on one of the islands of Lake Michigan. Grand 
Plaven looked blue when the news of the loss was reported. 
Supplies could not now be obtained by way of the lakes. Up the 
river they had none to spare, and not enough for themselves. 
There were no roads to the southern settlements. There were 
no bridges; and it must be a desperate effort that secures them 
from the horrors of famine. Ferry brooded over it for a few 
hours; then took White into his counsel; and the result was 
that AVliite, with the means in his pocket, was the next day 
wending his way southward on the beach; feeling the impor- 
tance of his mission, and determined to " do or die." 

If you fellows at your ease, treading on your first-class rag 
carpets, and grumbling about your taxes, would know what it 
is to live in a new place, just catch Nathan "White when he is 
at leisure, and get him to relate his adventures on that expe- 
dition. [Alas! White tells it no more.] 

It was a cold stormy time, and the young man had a time 
of it — came near losing his life in crossing the Kalamazoo 
river; but, dripping and freezing, he got out and went to the 
farming settlements near Battle Creek. There he purchased 
200 bushels of wheat, about 100 hogs, and a lot of corn for 
the hogs, and hired men and teams to bring his purchases to 
Grandville, And here it is well to record a rare act of 
Bcoundrelism on the part of the man who sold the wheat. 



GRAND EIVEE VALLEY. 417 

White bought and paid for 200 bushels, to be delivered at the 
mill some miles distant. The man delivered 160, and refused 
to furnish the rest or to refund the money, saying that it was 
good enough for him for being such a fool as to pay for the 
wlieat before he got it. That man ought to have been talked 
to! His cool cussedness was certainly sublime. White, with 
liis caravan of men, teams and hogs, wended his way through 
the snow to Grandville, where a part of the supplies were left 
for tliose dependent on the company there, the rest were taken 
on the ice to Grand Haven, The river had fallen, leas'ing the 
ice on the banks sloping, so that the hogs, once on, could not 
get off, and they had no discretion but to go to the knife at 
Grand Haven. 

Having seen teams and hogs safely on the ice. White ar- 
ranged for his own triumpliant entry into Grand Haven. He 
made a collar and tugs for his horse, of hay, lashed a cross-pole 
to the bow of a canoe, placed his saddle in the stern; with a 
bed-cord, kindly furnished by Mrs. Oakes, for lines, he har- 
nessed his horse with the hay-bands hitched to the cross-pole. 
He mounted the saddle, kissed his hand to the fair Mrs. Oakes, 
waved his hand to the by-standing crowd, and shouted " Git 
up ! " Like an Esquimaux, he shot over the ice, passed the 
teams midway on the river, and was hailed at Grand Haven, 
not with the booming of cannon, for they had none, but witli 
the hearty " God bless you " of the whole little community. 

And here it may not be amiss to relate a little incident, to 
show the effect of short commons on the most cool and philo- 
sophical. Bread, venison and pork had been the course all 
winter, and the people, though blessing the Providence that 
kindly supplied these, still felt a starving desire for something 
vegetable to break the monotony. In the spring, Mr. Ferry 
procured of the Indians about a half a bushel of cranberries. 
Mrs. Ferry, with a light heart, picked them over, and on a 
furnace out of doors, cooked them with Indian sugar; think- 
ing all the while of the treat she was preparing for the dear 
ones at liome, and for those in their employ. Just as they 
were about done, an old grey-hound Michigan sow tipped 
over the furnace, spilling her lucious treat in the sand. That 

27 



418 MEMORIALS OF THE 

calm, self-poised woman was unnerved; she sat down and 
cried from sheer vexation. The nerves that nothing seem- 
ingly could shake, that had never failed when facing death or 
dan<rer, failed her then. We will not blame the sainted woman. 
you or I would have been mad, and sprained our ankles kick- 
ing the old brute. From this we may see that trifles may be 
great things. 

About this time, steamboats from Buffalo began to put in 
for wood, furnished by T. D. Gilbert from the bayous around. 

The first school-house was erected in 1836. It long was the 
place for all public meetings, was chapel, court house and town 
house as well. 

In 1837, Col. Amos Korton arrived, and commenced putting 
up a mill at Nortonville. In a few months came Jabez Barber 
and Richard Mason, wdio helped him to complete it. These 
three men left Canada during the distnrbances in 1836-7. 
Barber perished in the ill-fated " Pacific,'' when coming home 
from England in 1854. Barber and Mason, in 1844, built the 
mill at Mill Point (Spring Lake). 

Benjamin Hopkins, also from Canada, arrived in 1837, and 
purchased lands at Eastmanville, where he lived and died. 

A specimen of primitive justice as administered by the peo- 
ple, may serve as an episode. A male specimen of humanity 
liad stolen a pig. The proof was complete; but what to do 
with the scamp, was the question. In full council of the self- 
constitnted regulators, he was solemnly sentenced to march 
through the streets with the pig on his back; and thencefor- 
ward to preserve perpetual absence. The sentence was carried 
out. The pig was strapped to the sinner's back, and all paraded 
the streets. When satisfied with the exhibition, it was em- 
phatically hinted to him that he had better leave. Acting 
upon the hint, he incontinently gave them a specimen of tall 
walking. 

We will here introduce a lively sketch of pioneer life, by the 
worthy ex-mayor Griffins: 

" Instead of first-class railroads, as now, the mode of trav- 
eling along the Grand Piver wason snow-shoes, in Indian trails. 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 419 

or on skates on the ice, in tlie winter; or paddling an Indian 
canoe, in snmmer. A good canoe, bought of an Indian, cost 
$3. A pre-emption settler, in possession of one of these was 
all right in those days. He could load it up with vegetables; 
paddle down to Grand Haven; sell out very soon to the Indians, 
or the few white people there, get his tea, tobacco and whisky, 
and go back home again. 

" If the settler wanted something more costly, as flour or pork, 
his only alternative was to get up a shingle shanty, and make 
shingles. The banks of the river, from the Rapids to Grand 
Haven, were dotted with these. I have known some parties 
take a load of shingles on a hand-sled, twenty miles on the 
ice; sell the load for provisions (or whisky, if not temperate), 
which would last them only one week; and then repeat the 
same operation. 

" A soon as the pole-boats started to take freight to Grand 
Rapids, their condition was better to get to market; and when 
the Gov. Mason and other steamers followed, as population 
increased, our condition was vastly improved. One of these 
steamers was commanded by Capt. Sibley, now deceased, but 
well known to our earlier settlers. This Capt. Sibley was 
promoted from captain of a pole-boat to the steamer, and he 
deserved it. A more manly and accommodating captain 
could not be found. I recollect an incident, proving the truth 
of this assertion, being myself on board the boat at the time. 
A settler on the bank waved his hat violently for the boat to 
stop. The captain said, 'I do not see any freight to put on 
board, but I'll see what he wants.' He rang the bell, and the 
boat stopped. ' I say, captain, I want you to bring me half 
a pound of plug tobacco to-morrow, and a box of matches.' 
' All right,' says the captain, rang the bell, and was off again." 

We will also let our friend Griffin tell his story of going to 
mill in early times: 

" Two families, first settlers at Eastmanville, were out of 
breadstuff in the month of January, 1838. Your correspond 
ent, accompanied by J. V. Hopkins (now deceased), started 
on foot for Grandville, twenty miles up the river, to purchase 
a little wheat and corn ; arrived tbere, and were informed that 



420 MEMORI.VLS OF THE 

the only place to get it was at Hewlett's farm. We pui-chascd 
a load, got it to Ivetchum's mill, with the promise to have it 
ready for us in one week. On our return home we were overtaken 
by a tremendous storm. Grossing the river on the ice was very 
difficult. It was accomplished by each of us providing two 
broad boards; getting on one, and sliding the other in front — 
creeping from board to board until the unsafe bridge of ice 
was passed. 

" The storm increased, and having no road or marked trees to 
guide our course, we got lost in the wilderness of hills and 
valleys on the north side of the river, between Grand ville and 
Sand Creek. xVfter traveling all day, we fortunately found 
Sand Creek; followed the stream down to Talmadge post-office, 
kept by father Bethnel Church, whose hospitality was pro- 
verbial; his venerable old lady providing the best they had for 
the comfort of tired and hungry men. This. was ten miles, 
and halfway home, for that day's work. The third day vrc 
reached home; and waiting three days more, prepared an ox 
team, took our axes along to clear the way, and with a lunch 
of good sandwiches, set out for Grandville to ge.t our grist. 
Two days more, and our team was at Grandville, but on the 
wrong side of the river; no bridge, and the ice still precarious. 
But in the emei-gency, with determination and pluck, we got 
the grist over, loaded it up and started for home, on the tenth 
day from the first movement to get these supplies — only twen- 
ty miles off." 

For a long time Grand Haven was of slow groAvth, its busi- 
ness resting almost entirely on lumber and forwarding. In 
1851, it had four merchants— Ferry, Albee, Gilbert and Griffin. 
Then its exports of lumber were S6^ millions; shingles, 3,200 
M. In 1853, 41 millions of lumber; shingles, 13,000 M; 
staves, 320 M. In 1855, lumber, 45 millions; shingles, 
37,000 M. 

In April, 1853, the steamer Detroit, as an experiment, com- 
menced making regular trips to Chicago. The same year, the 
road across the marsh, known as the " sawdust " road, was 
made to the ferry. 



GEAND EITER VALLEY. 421 

The population, in 185-1, was 671. Spring Lake was then 
Mill Point, a mere lumber manufacturing place, with the usual 
rustic surroundings of such places. 

At this time the village was quite compact, and the style of 
the place simple. The principal hotel was the Washington 
(since burned). There was no church edifice, but public wor- 
ship was held in the old ■ school-house. The second school- 
house was built at about this time. 

As a little community they were very fraternal; social in- 
tercourse was hearty, simple and free. The tone of society 
was moral. Winter was a season of social enjoyment; sum- 
mer of active business. There were no manufactories other 
than of lumber. At about this time Mr. Albee established a 
tannery, which he run until it required 100 hands to operate 
it. This to him eventually was no advantage, and it has 
ceased to exist. 

Railroad communication and the development of the sur- 
rounding country have enabled Grand Haven to extend its 
business; and the census returns show a striking increase. To 
properly appreciate that increase the three places, Grand Ha- 
ven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg must be considered as one. 
To all intents and purposes they are one, and are so consid- 
ered in all that has been written, or in what follows. 

The present state of development may be seen in its ex- 
tended limits, its magnificent hotels, its enlarged business, its 
schools, churches, manufactories, fisheries and extended com- 
merce, and in the fact of its having become a place of popular 
summer resort. All things seem auspicious of greater prom- 
inence in the future. 

The l)usiness of Grand Haven in 1873, was: Lumber 125,- 
000,000; clearances, other than of river boats and the Good- 
rich line of steamers, 1,166; 15,000 persons visited the place 
on account of the springs; 120 men and 20 boats employed in 
fishing; pay roll of the mills and factories, $1,000,000. 

GRAND HAVEN CITY. 

The first charter election was held April 1st, 1867. Elected 
as City Council: 

George Parks, Mayor; Charles J. Pagelson, Recorder; 



422 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Arend Yanderveer, James A. Rice, Jolin W. Hopkins, Wil- 
liam Wallace, Isaac H. Sandford, Peter Yan "VVeelden, Henry 
S. Clubb, Harmon Boscli, Aldermen. 

The first meeting of the Conncil was April 6th, when were 
appointed Charles I, Pfaff, Marshal; Robert W. Duncan, At- 
torney; John Bolt, Street Commissioner. 

1868— R. ^Y. Duncan, Mayor. 

1869-TO— Dwight C. Cutler, Mayor. 

1871— Henry Griffin. 

1872-3— Geo. E. Hubbard. 

1874-5 — John A. Leggatt. 

1876— Wm. M. Ferry. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT GKAND HAVEN. 

Until 1852, the school, with the exception of a few months, 
was under the care of Miss Mary A. AVhite. It was begun 
by her in the missionary spirit; kept up for years with little 
remuneration, other than the satisfaction of doing good, and 
the earnest love of all the young people, who recognized in her 
their ideal of goodness, and who considered her ijifallible. 
Miss White still survives, enshrined in the hearts of all, who 
remember her as their teacher. For nearly twenty years she 
was the teacher at Grand Haven. Her impress is on the place. 

In 1861, the school was opened in the second school house; 
for a year under the charge of Miss White. The first man 
employed to take charge of the school was Franklin Everett, 
who conducted it six months, assisted by his wife. For sever- 
al years the school was in charge of teachei*s engaged for short 
terms. 

In 1860, Charles H. Cushman was employed as principal. 
In 1863, he was succeeded by Charles Chandler, Jr. 

In 1865-6, the school was under the charge of Prof. A. W. 
Taylor. 

July, 1867, Prof. A. J. Itsell was placed in charge. He i-e- 
mained two years — succeeded by Prof. D. B. SaflPord. He had 
ten assistants. 

May 11th, 1870, the contract was let to build the new school 
house. The school was for a time under the charge of Prof. 
M. W. Darling. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 



421 



July 3d, 1871, Prof. A. Hardy was engaged, and tlie scliool 
opened in the new bnilding. He continued in charge until 
1875, when superior inducements removed him to Milwaukee, 
much to the re^-ret of Grand Haven. Durino^ his time the 
number of assistants was about sixteen. 

Prof. Lindley Webb succeeded Hardy. He stayed one year, 
and also went to Milwaukee. 

The superintendence was given, July, 1876, to Miss E. M. 
Beckwith, who had been long connected with the school. 

Grand Haven has from the first been anxious to have a good 
school; has endeavored to provide the best teachers, and the 
best facilities. Her central school house is one of the best in 
the State; and it is safe to say that no town is more generous 
and earnest in the cause of education. 



CUTLER HOUSE. 

This imposing struct- 
ure, which illustrates 
the public spirit, pride, 
wealth, enterprise, and 
daring of Dwight C. 
Cutler, was fonnally 
opened July 4th, 1872. 
There is no need of 
describing it, as it is 
the one object that chal- 
lenges the notice of ev- 
ery visitor to Grand Ha- 
ven. 

The mineral springs 
had already attracted 
attention; and the idea 
of making Grand Haven 
the " Saratoga of the 
Cull r lloiuc West," brought into 

existence the Cutler House at Gi'and Haven, the " Pomonia" at Fruitport, 
and the hotel at Spring Lake. The mineral springs at the several places, 
are the basis on which they rest. Health and fashionable summer rustica- 
tions have made Grand Haven and vicinity, places of resort. Should fashion, 
as is expected, and as past seasons indicate, give these places celebrity, these 
houses, the most pretentious of which is the Cutler House, will be mines of 
wealth to then- owners; and the precursors of others more magnificent. If 
the springs lose their attractive power, the people will, with their thumbs on 
their noses say. " I told you so!" 




424 



MEMOEIALS OF THE 



The Cutler is finislaecl and furnished in palatial style, at an expense of 
1200,000. 

Great credit is due to Mr. Cutler for his enterprise, and the determined 
spirit which he showed in his attempt to develop what promises to be the 
greatest interest of Grand Haven. It was a venture, and a daring one. Wheth- 
er he eventually realizes from it fortune or loss, he will have laid Grand Haven 
imder obligations. The sprmgs cannot be made popular places of resort un- 
less near them are first-class hotels. The few years that have elapsed since 
heavy capital was thrown upon the mineral water, have rendered the rich 
return nearlj' a, matter of certainty, and hope for the future is buoyant. 

Spring Lake has also its mineral waters, and its great hotel, dividing the 
interest with Grand Haven. 




Miiuntl. Spi ui;js. 
MANtJFACTURES OF GIJAXD HAVEN AND VICINITY. 

Exclusive of the general lumber manufacture, comparatively little is done 
in the way of manufacture. Formerly, C. B. Albee had a large tannery. But 
Albee and the tannery belong to the past. At present, foremost in the way 
of manufacturing, is the foundry and machine shop of the Hon. Wm. M. 
Ferry, at Fenysburg, where a good business is done in mill work, steam en- 
gines, etc. This has been in successful operation for many years. A specialty 
with this concern is mill machinery, many improvements in which have oi*ig- 
inated in the practical mind of the proprietor. 

WAITE MANUFACTURING CO. 

.T. B. Waite came to Grand Haven in 1870, and bought out the planing mill 
of C. D. Vleiger; and can-ied on the business of planing and jobbing, to 
which he soon added the making of hand rakes. 

Previous to that, Waite & Sehofield had been experimenting on a corn- 
planter. 



GBAND KIVER VALLEY. 425 

In 1872, a company, with a paid in capital of $30,000, was former! of prom- 
inent business men of Grand Haven: Waite, President. They made ironing: 
tables, horse rakes, hand rakes and corn planters. In 1875, they dropped 
ironing tables and added feed cutters. 

Business of 1875, (the year ending' in July): 250 corn planters; 50,000 hand 
rakes; 500 horse rakes; 500 ironing tables. 

1876: 625 corn planters; 40,000 hand rakes; 800 horse rakes. 

Hands employed, 50. 

The corn planters are meeting with great favor, and are becoming intro- 
duced into the great corn States. It is their intention to push this machine. 

Stearns' Planing Mill is engaged in fitting material to send off on contracts, 
employing about fifteen hands. In connection with it is an establishment for 
making staves and heading, making 30,000 sets per week. 

Fletcher & Rose's establishment are engaged in making various small 
articles in wood, especially curtain rolls, 30,000 of which they turn out in a 
week. It is believed they intend to make anything wh ich they see money in. 

A tub and pail factory is just being started by W. Whitney, who is in- 
tending to do a large business. 

Ship-building at Grand Haven is an important interest. Messrs. Squiers 
& White have a large dry-dock and extensive ship-yard, with facilities for 
building equal to any part of the lakes. Vessels, propellers and barges are 
bemg constantly built and repaired. 

FISHERY. 

On the right bank of the river, below Grand Haven, will be seen a shanty 
vi lage on the sand-bank; but that represents no small interest; it is the 
landing place for the fisheries, and where the fish from the lake are prepared 
tor the market. 

The fish are caught by gill-nets, placed at various distances from the shore, 
even in 300 feet of water, 25 miles from shore. They are gathered into little 
steamers, sail-boats, and smaller craft. Often forly barrels a day are secured. 
The white fish are becoming scarce, and the fishermen are every year obliged 
to go a greater distance to obtain them. It is a well known fact that in gener- 
al fish are a stay-at-home animal. In an inland lake of one-half a mile in 
width, one side may be fished out and the other be well supplied. In the 
winter of '75-6, a great number of young white fish were dei^osited at Grand 
Haven, to re-stock the over-fished waters. 

CnUECIIES OF GKAND HAVEN. 

Public worship was established at Grand Haven at the time of the ari'ival 
of Mr. Ferry; he preaching in his own house until the erection of the schpol- 
house, in the fall of 1836. At that time a Presbyterian church was organized 
with nine members — the first in the Grand Piiver Valley. 

The original members were: 

Rev. Wm. M. Ferry, Mrs. Amanda W. Ferry, Mary A. White, Pierre C. 
Duvernay, Mrs. Julia Duvernay, Caroline M. White, Nehemiah Hathaway, 
Mrs. Lucretia Hathaway, Charles Duvernay. 

Pierre C. Duvernay was made Ruling Elder. 



426 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The school-liouse served as a place of worship until the church was built. 
The corner stone of that was laid September 19th, 1855. It was dedicated 
May 31st, 1857. 

With the exception of a few months, Mr. Ferry was the preacher until 
April, 1857. Until October 18th, 1859, the church was served by temporary 
pa3tors — Rev. Joseph Anderson, A. D. Eddy, D. D., and Rev. Louis Mills. 
At this time, David M. Cooper was installed pastor. The pastoral office has 
been held iji the following order: Rey. W. M. Ferry, from the commence- 
ment until 1857; Rev. Joseph Anderson, 1857-8; Rev. A. D. Eddy, D.D., 
1858-9; Rev. D. M. Cooper, 1859 to 1864; Rev. J. N. Phelps, 1864 to 1866; 
Rev. David H. Evans, 1866 to 1869; Rev. J. M. Cross, 1869 to 1871; Rev. 
Henry S. Rose, 1871 to 1875; Rev. John B. Sutherland commenced November, 
1875. The membership of the church has been; 

Received in all, 268; dismissed, 70; died, 22; removed without letters, 7; 
present membership, 169. 

The church has one of the best parsonages in the State, erected in 1870, ' 
and costing |6,000. 

The Congregational church is an offshoot from the Presbyterian, resulting 
from a lack of harmony between the acting pastor — the Rev. J. Anderson — 
and the Rev Mr. Ferry, the particulars of which are not essential to history. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

On April 29th, 1868, a Congregational church of 16 members, was organ- 
ized, and the Rev. Joseph Anderson, who had been supplying the Presby- 
terian church, was constituted pastor. As intimated above, this was a seces- 
sion from the original Presbytei-ian church. 

In May, 1859, a neat and commodious church edifice was dedidated, free of 
debt. This church was destroyed some years afterwards by fire, uninsured. 
It had been under the pastoral care of Mr. Anderson until he left as chap- 
lain to go with one of the Michigan regiments. He was succeeded by the 
Rev. J. B. Fiske, who spent three years or so with the church. 

Discouraged by the burning of their church, the society languished. On 
August 16th, 1871, the society re-organized. In 1872 they sold the old lot, 
and purchased another, on which, at this writing (1876), they are erecting a 
beautiful brick church edifice. 

May 12th, 1874, church re-organized with 27 members. 

March, 1875, the society extended a call to the Rev. J. V. Hickmot, who 
has since held the pastoral relation. 

Present status: Membership, 56. 

The church and society are confident that a bright future is before them. 
At present they labor in hope receiving aid from outside. 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN — ST. JOHN'S CHURCH OF GRAND HAVEN. 

The congregation is composed of German people, spread over a wide 
extent of the region round about Grand Haven. Services in the Germ.in 
language. 

The organization dates from 1866, the first minister, the Rev. J. L. Daib, 
of Grand Rapids. 



J 



GEAND KIVEK VALLEY. 427 

Their church was consecrated in the spring of 1868. The lot was the gift 
of Wm. M. Ferry, Sr. 

It was a small organization at first — about a dozen. The names, as gath- 
ered from the memory of one of their number, were : Charles F. Paggelson, 
John Ziletlow, John Teitz, Henry Saul, Henry C. Bare, William Dehn, 
Henry Wasch, Christian Meinck. 

The society has expended $6,000 on the church and parsonage. The sec- 
ond pastoi' (1871) was the Rev. F. W. Spindler, a German, still holding that 
relation. 

The church is withoat debt ; nmnbers 200 communicants ; has a congrega- 
tion of from 300 to 400; the audience room, 32x52, being generally crowded. 

UNITARIAN CHURCH 

This is a new society, and as they have no church edifice, or church 
property, it maybe considei'ed as experimental. It was oiganized in April, 
1875. For three years it had had a provisional existence, and several liberal 
clergymen had preached there. In April, '75, the Rev. M. H. Houghton was 
called to the pastorate. He left in about eight months, and was succeeded; 
by the Rev. Geo. W. Cook. 

The meetings are held in the hall of the Cutler House, where assemble as 
good a congregation as in the churches. The Society is zealous and ener- 
getic; determined to go ahead, and establish ''Liberal Christianity" in Grand 
Haven . 

The present officials are: Dr. Cummings, T. D. Stickney, D. Ctttler, J. B. 
Waite, W. G. Smith, D. Gale, W. C. Sheldon. 

CATHOLTC. 

This may be considered a Mission, with its center at Grand Haven, having 
in charge several niinor churches. 

St. Mary's Church, at Beriin, was organized about twenty years ago. Up 
to that time, the few Catholics who undertook the erection of the church, were 
poor, and scattered through a country which was nearly a wilderness. The 
present house is too small, and will, before another year, be replaced by a 
more commodious one; funds for which are already collected. 

A large Catholic settlement at Dennison, Ottawa county, has a fair pros- 
pect of having a church edifice at no distant day. 

St. Mary's at Spring Lake, was built in 1869; is a neat and comfortable 
building, having a membership of 300 souls. 

St. Patrick's, at Graad Haven, was built in 1872-3; is a larg-eand expens- 
ive building, and when completed according to the plans, will be one of the 
finest churches in the city, capable of accommodating about 1,000; cost about 
$12,000. 

All these, and some minor outlying stations, have been for some time un- 
der the pastoral care of Father T. J. Mui-phy. 

Catholic population of Grand Haven about 250. 

Services are held at Grand Haven three Sundays in a month ; the same at 
Spring Lake; at Berlin once a month; at Dennison six times a year; at Hol- 
land six times a year; at S mgatuck, in Allegan county, four times a year. 
At Holland are about twenty families. 



428 MEMOEIAT^S OF THE 

Nationalities: Berlin — 400 people; all Irish. Dennison — Irish. Spring 
Lake — German, Irish and French, (xrancl Haven — Irish, French, German, 
Hollander, Indian and African. Holland — Irish, French, German and Hol- 
lander. Saugatuck — Irish. French, German and Indian. 

From the above facts, kindly communicated by Father Murphy, it wi'l l>i' 
seen that the Catholics have little but missionary operations in the lake re- 
gion of Ottawa county. But the sincerity of Catholics, and the devoted zeal 
of their clergy, always render them a power wherever they have a foothold. 
Believing in their church, they are ready and willing to make all other inter- 
ests secondary to it. Hence that church has an intense vitality, and is a 
power wherever it is. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL, AT SPRING LAKE. 

Before the organization of any class, there had been occasional preaching. 
In 1862, a small class of twelve or fifteen was gathered by Elder Wm. M. 
Colby; some of the membei's of which were Daniel B. Thoi-pe, Mrs. H. A. 
Hopkins, Mrs. T. D. Dennison, Mrs. Wm. Flanders, Mrs. Wm. Britlon, 
Loren 0. Perham. 

Services were held for two years in the school-house, with a sl(Jw- increase 
of numbers. 

The Presbyterian and Methodist societies bought a partly built church of 
the Hollanders; finished, and jointly occupied it. That house was so used 
five years, when it was burned down. During this time there was some in- 
crease. The Methodists bought the ground of the Union Church, and di- 
rectly com meneed to rebuild; were three or four years in completing it. It 
was dedicated in 1872. At this time the membership was about 60. The 
size of the church is o8x60, with basement. Cost, $7,500. The parsonage, 
built during the same time, cost $1,200. Present membership about 120. 

Pastors — W. M. Colby, David Engle, James Roberts, James Cowan, J. R. 
A. Wrightman, James W. Reid, Levi Master. 

The church has been harmonious and generally prospered. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Presbytlierian Church, at Spring Lake, was organized by Rev. H. 
Lucas, a missionary of the American Home Missionary Society, and the Rev 
Wm. M. Ferry, of Grand Haven, on Feb. 12th, 1853. There were five mem- 
bers when it was organized: George G. Lovell, L. M. S. Smith, Anna H. 
Smith, Miss Lydia Norton, and Harriet J. Franklin. G. G. Lovell, and L. 
M. S. Smith were elected ruling elders. 

The Rev. H. Lucas supplied the church for a year after its organization; 
followed by Rev. Henry Redfield, one year. 

The Rev. Joseph Anderson was afterwards minister, he at the same time, 
serving the church at Gr.md Haven. He was succeeded by Dr. A. P. 
Eddy, who commenced his labors in May, 1858; he also laboring at Grand 
Haven. He continued until some time in 1866, and w'as succeeded, as stated 
supply, by the Rev. Joseph Lud, who served the church for three years. 
He was followed by the Rev. A. G. Bebie, who stayed something less than 
two years. 

The Rev. W. H. Blair, the present supply, commenced in July, 1872. 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 429 

Since th(3 organization of the church, 77 have been added by letter or pro- 
fession. Present membership, 55; society membership, 154. 

The first church edifice was destroyed by fire. The present building was 
dedicated Jan. 26, 1874. The cost was about $10,000. 

From a feeble beginning, it has gone on until it takes respectable rank 
among the churches in the Valley; and its fine edifice is an honor to its en- 
tei-pri.se. The missionary who first collected the little bands has just 
(1876) gone to his rest. Spring Lake is not the only place that cherishes 
his memory. 

PKtrSSIAN SETTLEMENT, 

In the township of Grand Haven, five miles south of the city, on the Hol- 
land road is a German population of some 45 families. They have a Lu- 
theran church, organized in 1870, of which John Bean, Henry Saul and Henry 
Boardman were the original elders, and Frederick Bean, William Bean, and 
Charles Ladewig were the deacons. The chuich was organized with 23 
members. They have a small church edifice, and a congregation of from 
100 to 200. Preaching in German. The name of the church, around which 
they cluster is the "German Lutheran Emanuel." The people are mostly 
Prussians. 

MUSKEGON. 

For the following valuable article the author and the public 
are indebted to the Hon. Henry H. Holt, Lieut. Governor, of 
the State of Michigan. As an old resident, and one whom the 
people there have delighted to honor, Mr. Holt familiarized him- 
self with the history of the city, that he had chosen as his resi- 
dence; and as a labor of love, prepared the following article, 
which, he gave to the public, July 4, 1876. The author 
gladly avails himself of the consent kindly given to place it 
in this work, not doubting that an ajipreciating public will 
thank the honorable gentleman for his carefully prepared 
work. 

MUSKEGON. 
BY HENRY H. HOLT. 

The history of Muskegon, so far as we have been able to 
learn any items in regard to it, has its origin in 1812, when 
John Baptiste Recollet began to occupy a trading post, which* 
was situated about twenty rods west of the Enddiman Flour- 
ing Mill, at the mouth of Bear Lake. This was the first trad- 
ing post on Muskegon Lake, and was occupied 'for a number 
of years, the remains of the chimney still being visible as late 



■430 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

!as 1836. In tlie spring of 1812, it became necessary for He- 
collet to go to the military station at the mouth of St. Joseph 
Kiver, and lie made the trip in one day, having swam the 
Orand and Kalamazoo rivers, and forded the other streams. 

Mr. Constant, the father of Mrs. William Lasley, built the 
next trading post, near the A. M. Allen & Co. Mill, at the 
mouth, left side, which he occupied in the winter for about thirty 
years. The next was built in 1830 by Joseph Daily, near the 
Rogers Foundry, between Market street and the lake, and was 
occupied by him until 1834, when he sold it to Louis B. Bad- 
deau. 

George Campau also built a trading post in 1833, near the 
present site of the White, Swan & Smith Mill (lower part of 
the city), and occupied it until 1835. 

The territory embraced within the limits of the j^resent 
townships of Norton, Fruitport, Ravenna, Chester, Moorland, 
Casinovia, Egleston, Muskegon, Laketon, Lakeside, and the 
city of Muskegon, was organized by a provision of section 11 
of an act of the State Legislature, approved Dec. 30, 1837. 
into one township, and called Muskego. The act was passed 
at the first session after the State was admitted into the Union. 
This section was repealed in 1838, and the same territory was 
organized as the township of Muskegon, and the first town 
meeting was appointed to be held at the house of Newell & 
Wilcox. At this time, and for several years after, there was 
quite a diversity of opinion in regard to the correct spelling 
of the name, as will appear by reference to various acts of 
subsequent Lsglslatures. In .1841 an act was passed, by the 
provisions of which the unorganized county of Oceana was 
attached to township of Muskegon for judicial purposes; and 
in 1845 certain territory was detached from township of Mus- 
kego and organized into the township of Norton. This con- 
fusion in regard to the name ended at the establishment of 
Muskegon postofiice in 1848, 

The first township meeting was held in 1838, when township 
officers were elected, among whom was Henry Penoyer, super- 
visor. But little was done in the way of township business 
for several years^ often no taxes being assessed. Township 



GRAND MVEft TALLET. 431 

meetings were often omitted entirely, the old officers holding 
over. 

George Ruddiman held the office of supervisor several years 
during this time. In 1847, Geo. W. Walton was elected 
supervisor, and the township having increased somewhat in 
population, taxes were assessed and business regularly trans- 
acted after that time. The old township records were de- 
stroyed in the great fire of August 1st, 1874. 

The land in this part of Michigan was brought into market 
in 1839. The first attempt that was made to claim and hold 
any of the land now embraced in the city limits, was made by 
a Mr. Taylor, in December, 1836, who built a shanty on lot 
one of section nineteen, near where the Washington House now 
stands. He retained possession for a few months and then sold 
liis claim to Horace Wilcox, who afterwards entered the land. 
Theodore Kewell soon became the owner, who platted a por- 
tion of it in 1849, which was the first plat of Muskegon. This 
plat embraces that part of the city lying east and north of a 
line running from the Chapin & Foss mill to the old ceme- 
tery, and thence east along the north line of Mills & Furlong's 
addition to H. D. Baker's residence. 

Another tract of land that has since become very valuable, 
is lot two, section thirty, which was entered May 2, 1853, b}' 
Elias and Isaac D. Merrill, and Joseph P. Dana. This land 
is that part of the city lying south of a line running from 
the old cemetery to the Bigelow Bros.' mill (from the S. E. 
corner of lot two, section thirteen, township ten, north sixteen, 
west to Muskegon Lake), and between Mills & Furlong's ad- 
tion and Muskegon Lake. On this jjroperty at the present 
time are several of the most valuable mills in Muskegon, 
There were no frame buildings in Muskegon until 1837, when 
Theodore N"ewell and Erastus Wilcox erected a boarding house, 
(east of Eierson Creek, near bank of the lake), which stood 
near the C. Davis & Co.'s boarding house. Horace Wilcox 
put up a small dwelling the same year near where the Hofstra 
House now stands (near corner of Western avenue and Pine 
avenue). The first village plat was made in 1849, but nothing 
of any account was done for several years towards opening the 



432 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

streets, and the hill was so steep where Western avenue and 
Pine street now are that a man conld not ride np on horse- 
back. Yilla^^e lots ninst ha\'e been at a discount, from the 
fact that two lots on which the Ilofstra House now stands, 
Avere once sold for $45. ]^o thing was done towards opening 
tlie roads leading into the surrounding country, until 184(3. 
At this time, Mr. Ryerson cut out the road to Tlavenna, to con- 
nect with the road from that place to Grand Kapids, which had 
already been cut out and was in a condition to be traveled. 
Ilavenna township was detached from Muskegon and organ- 
ized in '49. 

SAW JkHLLS. 

The building of the first saw mill on Muskegon lake was 
commenced in January 1837, byBenj. II. Wheelock, the agent 
of the Muskegon Steam Mill Company, most of the stock- 
holders of which resided at Detroit and Ann Arbor. The 
mill was built on the site now occupied by the White, Swan 
iSz Smith mill, upon which land Mr. Wheelock about that time 
had made a pre-emption claim. It was a steam mill, and was 
a large one for that time, having two upright saws. Before it 
was completed, the panic of 1837 occurred and money becom- 
ing scarce, it was not ready for operation until 1838, when the 
first lumber was sawed; tliat being also the first sawed on Mus- 
kegon lake. The adventure proved to be an unprofitable one 
for the company, and the next year after tlie mill was started 
the property went into the hands of John Lloyd, of Grand 
Kapids, and John P. Place, of Ionia, who owned and run the 
mill until 1841, when it burned and the machinery was taken 
to Grand Papids. 

In August 1837, Jonathan II. Ford, the agent of tlie Buf- 
falo and Black Pock Company began building a water mill at 
the mouth of Bear Lake, on the site now occupied by the Pud- 
diman flouring mill. It was completed the next year, and the 
first cargo of lumber made at this mill was hauled to the 
mouth of Muskegon lake in February, 1839, and put on board 
of the Victor, Captain Jackson, a vessel that would carry about 
40,000 feet. The vessel started for Chicago, but soon after got 
into a drift of ice, and it was ten days before she reached her 



GEAND EIVEE VALLEY. 433 

destination; those on board liaving suffered severely from cold 
and linnger in that time. Hiram Judson & Co., bought the 
mill in 1840, and made very extensive repairs and improve- 
ments upon it, among which was the putting in of a new 
water wheel, which was done by George Ruddiman. The mill 
was vakied at $20,000, dollars, and was the best one on the 
lake for several years; it was burned in 1853 and was never 
rebuilt. 

Theodore Newell began to build a mill in the spring of 1838 
and finished it in 1839 (on Western Avenue, West of Eierson 
Creek), on the site now occupied b}' the Ryerson, Hills & Co., 
mill; this was a small mill, with one upright saw, costing alto- 
gether* about $4,000, and would saw about 6,000 feet of lum- 
ber in twenty-four hours. The engine was eight- inch bore and 
twenty-six inch stroke; the boiler was sixteen feet long and 
thirty-six inches in diameter, with one thirteen-inch flue; the 
engine not having suflicient power to saw a log and haul up 
another at the same time. The first lumber was shipped from 
this mill in the autumn of 1839. In September, 1845, Mar- 
tin Ryerton and J. H. Knickerbocker bought the mill of Mr. 
]S^ewell, and in the winter following removed the old mill and 
built a new one on the site, and had it ready to run within 
tliree months from the time of commencing operations. In 
1847, Mr. Knickerbocker sold his interest in the mill to Robt. 
W. Morris, who continued a partner of Mr. Ryerson until the 
time of the sale of his interest in 1865 to the present firm of 
Ryerson, Hills & Co. The latter firm has made very extensive 
repairs and improvements until but little of the old mill 
remains, excepting the foundations. 

Joseph Stromach built a small water mill in 1842, near the 
site of the McGraft & Montgomery mill, and run it until 1844, 
when he sold it to George and John Ruddiman. The latter 
afterwards put in a small engine, and used water and steam 
power at the same time. This double power not proving suf- 
ficient for hauling up logs at the same the saw was in opera- 
tion, animal power was also produced and applied to mechanical 
purposes, an ancient white bull being used to haul up the logs; 
hence the origin of the name of the bull-wheel in a saw-mill. 

28 



434 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

One evening in tlie autumn of 1848, after a lieavy rain, 
George Ttnddinian heard the water escaping through tlie dam. 
and on returning to the house after examining it, told the 
men that in tlie morning thej must cut some hrush and stop 
the leak. About two hours afterwards, he visited the dam 
again, finding that the break had increased, and then said that 
it would be necessary to haul some sand in order to repair the 
break. On going out in the morning to begin work, there was 
nothing to be seen of the mill, the log slide or the dam; even 
the engine and machinery had been carried out into Muskegon 
Lake. The next winter a portion of the present steam saw- 
mill was built by George Ruddiman, on the site of the present 
mill. This has since been considerably enlarged and im- 
jiroved. 

In 1847, S. J. Green built a water mill at the mouth of 
Green Creek, on the north side of Muskegon Lake. It was run 
for several years, but with rather inditferent success. At 
length it got out of repair, and finally went into deeay, and has 
never been rebuilt. 

The mill now known as the Chapin & Foss mill, was com- 
menced in 1848, by Wm. Lasley and G. T. Woodbury, the 
latter having a quarter interest, and completed and started in 
the spring of 1849, Marshall W. Lloyd sawing the first lumber 
that was made in the mill, he being employed there at the 
time. Mr. Lasley sold the mill in 1852 to Chapin, Marsh & 
Foss; Mr. Marsli afterwards disposing of his interest to his 
partners. 

In 1840, John Ruddiman built a steam saw-mill on the north 
side of Muskegon lake, on the site now occupied by the Tor- 
rent & Arms mill. He continued to run the mill until 1862, 
when it went into the hands of Anson Eldred, after a closely 
contested suit in regard to the title. The mill burned soon 
after, and was replaced by a large mill built by James Farr, 
Jr., under the superintendence of L. II. Foster. The property 
was sold in 1871, to Torrent & Arms, and the second mill on 
the site was burned in 1872. The mill now belonging to this 
firm was erected soon after. The mills built on this site seem 
to have been rather unfortunate in regard to fires and lawsuits, 
whose effects upon property are about equally destructive. 



GRAND RIVEK VALLEY. 



The foreo-oinfi: includes all the saw-mills built on Muskeo-on 

or? O 

lake prior to 1850. Tliere were three mills on the lake in 
1840, whose aggregate sawing capacity per day of twelve hours 
was about 13,000 ieet. 

In 1850, there were six mills now on the lake, having an ag- 
gregate sawing capacity of about 60,000 feet. During the next 
ten years, ten mills were put in operation on the lake, with tlic 
following capacity: 



C. Davis & Co 38,000 

Ridred, Way & Co 20,000 

Ryerson & Morris (Bay mill). 36,000 

Smith, Fowler & Co 20,000 

Brown & Trowbridge 16.000 



Trowbridi?e & Winsr 22,00:) 

J. C. Holmey & Co 15,000 

Durkee, Truesdell & Co 38,000 

L. G. Mason & Co 36,0U0 

J. & H. Beidler 35,009 



Ryerson & Morris (Upper mill) 24,000 
George Ruddiman 15,000 



OLD MIILS STILL RUNNING. 

John Ruddiman. 



56,000 



]^ot only has the sawing capacity of the mills been increased, 
but the number of men required to perform the labor has been 
proportionately lessened. In 1860 it required a man for each 
1,000 feet sawed per day, wdiile at the present time the daily 
product is, on an average, something more than 2,000 feet for 
each man. This I'esult is to a large extent due to the valuable 
improvements made in the machinery used in the mills. 

There are twenty-six mills on the lake at the present time, 
with the capacity per day as follows: 



Rutherford, Anderson & Co. . 70,000 

Wilson & Bovce 75,000 

C. Davis ct Co 80,000 

Rverson, Hills & Co 48.000 

Ciiapin & Foss 40,000 

Mason Lumber Co 130,000 

Bigelow & Bros 70.000 

G. R. Roberts & Hull 130,000 

C. H. Hacklev & Co 150,000 

Beidler Manufacturing Co 130,000 

Vfhite. Swan & Smith 80,000 

Bushnell, Walworth & Reed. . 60,000 
Montague, Hamilton & Co.- . . .120,000 



McGraft & Montgomery 40,000 

E. Torrent 30,000 

A. V. Mann & Co 75,000 

Alex. Rodgers 65.000 

Kelley, Wood & Co 75.000 

E. Eldred & Co 80.000 

A. M. Allen &' Co .30.000 

C. D. Nelson & Co 120.000 

Ryerson, Hills & Co 90,00(» 

Torrent <fe Ducey 30,000 

Baudrv, Vallicott & Co 40,000 

Farr. iDutcher & Co 40.000 

Torrent & Arms 150,000 



IISTFLATED CUERElSrCY. 

The first attempt at running logs down the river, was made 
in 1839, by John A. Brooks; the logs having been cut a few 
miles above Crotoiu The " drive" finally reached Muskegon, 



436 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Lilt after a great outlay for clearing the river, and the men 
employed celebrated the event by buying and drinking a 
barrel of whisky, which then cost about sixteen cents per gal- 
]>)... The whisky was common property, but in order to 
assume an appearance of "business," they fitted up a counter 
on a stump, and one of the number having a silver quarter 
dollar, commenced by treating the company, one of them 
tending bar; this bar-tender then took the money and came 
outside and treated the company, another taking his place as 
bar-tender. This was continued several days, until the whisky 
disappeared. There was an annual carousal for a few days on 
the arrival of the big " drive," until the village " lock-up" 
was erected in 1861, after which the officers became able to 
suppress it. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Until 1834, the Indian traders had been accustomed to come 
to Muskegon Lake, in the autumn, and buy furs and traffic 
with the Indians during the winter, and go away in the spring, 
taking with them all their movable eficcts. At the latter 
date, Lewis B. Baddeau having secured the interest of Mr. 
Daily in his log building, established a trading post, and be- 
came a permanent settler of Muskegon. He was of French 
descent and was born at Three Rivers, near Montreal, in 
Canada. Mi". Baddeau afterwards made a pre-emption claim 
on lot two of section nineteen, on which his trading j^ost 
stood, being that part of the city lying west and north of a 
line running from the Chapin & Foss Mill to the old ceme- 
tery, and thence to the Bigelow & Brother's Mill. And on the 
31st of July, 1839, alter the land came into market, he made 
a regular entry of the lot. He continued to trade with the 
Indians until 1840, and in 1845, having become embarrassed 
in business, and having lost most of his property, he went to 
Xewaygo to live, and afterwards to the Dam, on Muskegon 
River, where he died soon after. 

The second settler on Muskegon Lake was Joseph Troutier, 
who erected a building in 1835, of hewn timber, near the 
White, Swan & Smith mill, which he occuj^ied as a trading 
post for several years. Mr. Troutier was born in Mackinac, 



GRAND RIVEE VALLEY. 437 

August 9, 1812, where he resided until his settlement in 
Muskegon. He continued the Indian trade several years at 
this place, and then removed to the Dam, where he still re- 
sides. In 1836, Mr. Troutier went with the Indians to Wash- 
ington, and assisted in forming the treaty by which the Indian 
title to the land iu the part of Michigan lying north of Grand 
River was obtained. Mr. Trontier remembers many interest- 
ing incidents in the early history of Western Michigan, and 
often remarks that " me and ray wife the first white man in 
Muskegon." 

Wm. Lasley was of French origin; was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, but spent his early life in Mackinac, and settled in Mus- 
kegon in the autumn of 1835, liaving built a trading post near 
where is now the corner of Western avenue 'and Seventh street. 
He continued to trade with the Indians for several years, and 
eventually brought on goods suitable for the trade of the early 
settles, sometimes keeping a stock valued at $20,000. In 1852, 
he sold the mill that he had previouslj^ built, and retired from 
business, and died the next year. 

Martin Ryerson was born on a farm near Patterson, New 
Jersey, January 6, 1818. In 1834, having become satisfied 
that the fortune that he had. even then determined to acquire, 
was not to be easily and readily obtained at farming, he started 
for Michigan, which, at that time, was regarded as the El- 
dorado. AVhen he reached Detroit, his funds were exhausted, 
and he was obliged to stop and obtain employment for a time 
before he could proceed. After a few months, he started 
again, and reached Grand Rapids in September of the same 
year, and soon after went into the employ of Richard Godfroy, 
at which place he remained until May, 1836, when he left and 
came to Muskegon. On his arrival at this place, he went int(» 
the employ of Joseph Troutier, and engaged in the IndiaTi 
trade, which he continued three years; was then employed by 
T. Newell & Co., which firm then carried on the same busi- 
ness. In October. 1841, Mr. Ryerson and S. J. Green made a 
contract with T. Newell to run his mill for two years. After 
the expiration of this term, Mr. Ryerson made an arrangement 
to run tlie mill on a salary for another two years. In Septem- 



438 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ber. 1845, Mr. R^'erson, in company with J. li. Knickerbocker, 
bought Mr. ISTewell's interest in the mill, and became a mill 
owner. This fact, however, did not change his style of living, 
or lessen the amount of labor he performed. During the first 
year that he owned the interest in the mill, he often worked 
eighteen hours out of the twenty-four, filling any place where 
a vacancy might chance to occur, or where his services were 
the most needed. Mr. Hyerson's practical experience rendered 
him a competent judge of the men in his employ, and he " ex- 
pected every man to do his duty." An incident that once oc- 
curred at his mill may not be uninteresting. One day a man 
who was employed in moving a pile of cull lumber, was carry- 
ing a few pieces and gohig and returning at a very slow pace. 
Mr. Ryerson observing this, called out to him to throw down 
his little load. The man stood a minute with a surprised look, 
witliout doing so. On Mr. Ryerson's repeating the order witli 
increased emphasis, lie threw it down. lie then told him to 
go and sit in the shade and rest himself until he was able to 
take and carry a load as a man ought to carry it. It is useless 
to say that the rest was not required. 

As an instance of the hardships and privations endured by 
the early settlers, Mr. Ryerson relates the following experience: 
In September, 1839, he started on foot to go to Grand Rapids 
to attend " Indian payment." The ordinary route at the time 
was by the beach of Lake Michigan to Grand Haven, thence 
up Grand River. Mr, Ryerson, however, went through what 
is since the township of Ravenna, although there was then no 
road or settlement on the way, excepting along the first five 
miles west of Grand Rapids. He kept his course by a pocket 
compass, crossed Crockery Cxeek somewhere near where is now 
the village of Ravenna, and stopped for the night about ten 
miles beyond. He made a brush tent, built afire and roasted 
a coon that he had caught during the day and brought with 
him, and made his supper from it without salt or water, and 
then slept soundly on his brush bed. The remainder of the 
coon served for his breakfast in the morning, after which he 
pursued his journey, reaching Grand Rapids early in the day 
and without feeling any particular fatigue. 



GEAND EIVER VALLEY. 439 

The following incident was related to the writer by Mr. H., 
and shows the manner of enforcing a rule of the early settlers 
requiring a uniformity in dress; a rule which prohibited the 
wearing of " stove-pipe" hats and white shirts. A young man 
from Grand Ripids, one clay made his appearance on the 
" streets" of Muskefjoii wearino- these contraband articles of 
dress, and who, by the way, was putting on numerous airs in 
consequence. A mock court was soon organized, a complaint 
was made against him for horse-stealing; he was arrested, ex- 
amined, and bound ov^er to Circuit Court. The constable 
started with him for the jail (a log stable) and on the way he 
was allowed to escape, as had been pre-arranged. The fellow 
ran for the woods at a rate of speed that would have astonished 
a deer, while the whole town followed him, yelling at the top 
of their voices, and pretending to try to overtake him. That 
hat was never seen in Muskegon again. 

Mr. Hyerson removed to Chicago in 1851, where he has 
since resided, excepting about live years which he spent with 
Ids family in Europe. 

Theodore Newell was a native of Connecticut, and settled 
in Mukegon in ISoG. Tie lived here a few years and then re- 
juoved to Chicago, and afterwards to Kenosha, Wis., and thence 
to Chicago again, wdiere he died in 1869. 

Henry Penoyer came from the East, and settled in 1836 at the 
nunith of Muskegon Lake, his object in locating at that place 
being to secure a claim to the land in that vicinity, as it was 
tlien supposed that the future city of Muskegon would be built 
on the sand hills near the mouth. He and his brother, Augus- 
tus Penoyer, built a mill the same year at Penoyer Creek, 
a few miles above Newaygo. Mr. P. left Muskegon soon after, 
and removed to Grand Haven. He now lives at Nunica. 

Samuel Rose was born in Granville, Mass., in 1817, and 
came to Grand Rapids in 1836, where he met Augustus Pen- 
oyer, who was then getting ready to build a mill at Penoyer 
(h-eek, a few miles above jSTewaygo. He made an agreement 
to work for Mr. P., and started with some other men to go 
through the woods to the place where they were to Avork. 
There being no road, and not keeping the right direction, they 



440 MEMORIALS OF THE 

got lost and were out five days before they reached Muskegon 
River. Then, thinking they were above Newaygo, 'they started 
down the stream, and after a time came to Muskegon Lake. 
After obtaining some provisions, they started up the river, and 
passing the site of the village of Newaygo (at which place thei:e 
was then no settlement), reached their destination. Mr. Rose 
has continued to reside on Muskegon River; sometime at Mus- 
kegon, or at otliers up the river — his present residence is near 
Newaygo. 

George W.Walton was born January 3, 1812, in Essex county, 
N. Y. In 1833, he removed to Chicago, and settled in Mus- 
kegon in May, 1837. During his early residence here, he was 
very active in public matters; was supervisor of the township 
for. several years, having been first elected in 1847, and was 
also the first postmaster of Muskegon. Mr. AYalton removed 
to 1855, where he remained several years, and went thence to 
Nevada, where he died, in 1874. 

Jonathan H. Ford v.-as born in the State of New York. He 
settled in Muskegon in 1837, and built the mill at the mouth 
of Bear Creek. During his residence here he was elected one 
of tlie associate judges of the Ottawa County Court. He left 
Muskegon in 1845, and now resides in Wisconsin. 

Thomas W. Dill and his wife — now Mrs. Susan Bohne — 
dime to Mnskegon in 1837, stopping here a few days, and then 
went to Penoyer's Mill, a few miles above the present village 
of Newaygo, where they lived one year. The)' then canio 
down the Muskegon River to Mill Iron Point, where Mr. Dill 
built a house and lived two years. Here Minerva Dill, now 
Mrs. John Curry, was born, June 10th, 1838; the first white 
child born in the present limits of Muskegon county. In the 
spring of 1840, Mr. Dill and his family moved into the house 
previously occupied by Mr. Baddeau, near where the Rodgers 
Foundry now stands, and occupied it as a hotel and boarding- 
house. This was known as the Muskegon House, and was the 
first attempt at hotel keeping in Muskeg )n. After the death 
of Mr. Dili, in 1854, Mrs. Dill married Mr. Bohne. who lias 
since died. Mrs. Bohne is still living in Muskegon, and is the 
oldest settler in Muskegon county. 



GEAND EIVEK VALLEY. 441 

Isaac D. Merrill was born in 1809, and settled in Muskegon 
in i8f39. He lias continued to reside on Muskegon river since 
that time, liis present residence being at Bridgeton. 

George Ruddiman was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Sept. 
29, 1815, and came to America in 1833, stopping one year in 
Pa.; when he came to Michigan, and has since resided most of 
the time in this State. He settled in Muskegon in April, 1840, 
and engaged as a millwright in repairing the mill at the mouth 
of Bear Lake. In 1841, he took charge of this mill ; and in 1844, 
in company with his brother, John Kuddiman, he bought the 
property where the McGraft & Montgomery Mill now stands. 

In 1840, Mr. Ruddiman attended the election in Muskegon, 
and voted for Gen. Harrison for President of the United States. 
Geo. Ruddiman built the first boat used for towing logs and 
vessels in Muskegon Lake. It was a small side-wheel steamer, 
and was called The Peggy. He now resides in the township 
of Muskegon. 

George B. "Woodbury was born in Worcester, Mass., and 
in 1837, removed to Michigan City, where he remained 
until October, 1840, when he left and settled in Muskegon, 
coming all the distance along the shore of Lake Michigan 
in a small boat. Soon after reaching Muskegon he obtained 
employment as engineer in the T. Newell & Co. mill. . He 
continued this for several J'ears, at the same time carrying 
on a-blacksmith shop, where he employed his leisure time in 
making traps for the Indians and in doing other blacksmith 
work. This was the first shop of the kind in Muskegon, and 
the only one at the time north of Grand River. 

Mr, Woodbury in those days was ratlier fond of a practical 
joke, as were most of the earl}- settlers. The following is re- 
membered as one of them: A man fi-om Monroe, who was 
rather inclined to put on airs, came to Muskegon withacpian- 
tity of wildcat money which at that time was not entirely 
worthless, but was considerably depreciated in value; and think- 
ing he was off in the woods among ignorant men, he endeavored 
to buy lumber with it at its par value. Samuel Rose, who hap- 
})ened to be up the river at the time, had a raft of lumber lying 
in the water near where the flouring mill now stands, and Mr. 



442 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

"Woodbury sold the raft to tlie Monroe man, agreeing to wait for 
liis pay until tlie lumber was hauled out, at the same time 
telling everybody to keep the joke quiet. The man worked three 
days in the water and got out about 25,000 feet, when Mr. Rose 
returned and exposed tlie joke, when the man left town a some- 
what wiser man, taking his wildcat with him. 

Another joke was to the following effect played upon a loud 
talking new-comer, who hud failed to become popular with the 
settlers. Mr. Woodbury one day said to Mr. Ryerson that it 
was too bad that that stranger sliould be eaten up in that way; 
that Mr. Green ought to suffer for it. The loud talker, as was 
intended, heard the remark, and immediately inquired in re- 
gard to the particulars. Mr. Woodbury, in reply, said "that 
Mr. Green had sent a stranger upon tlie hill alone to cut logs, 
and that the hodags had kille.d and eaten him, leaving nothing 
but his boots." He started at once for Mr. Green's house, to 
give him a terrible lecture. Mr. G. said it was one of Ryer- 
son and Woodbury's jokes, but he would not believe it, and 
continued to blame him for thus allowing a stranger to expose 
himself. Mrs. Green endeavored to corroborate her husband's 
statement, when the loud talker said " he did not want her to 
put in her clack; she could not make him believe that Mr. 
Green was not to blame." The man was so much afraid of the 
imaginary animals, that he soon after left the town. Hence 
the origin of the term Hodags. 

Samuel J. Green was born in Ohio, and settled in Muskegon 
in 1840, He died in May, 1858. 

John H. Knickerbocker was born in 1815, at Watertown, 
IS". Y. He settled in Muskegon in 1840, and died Aug. 26, 
1856. 

Richard Ryerson was born in Paterson, IST. J., Feb. 9th, 
1812, where he lived till he was about twenty years of age, 
when he removed to Western ISTew York, where he lived until 
1843, when he came and settled in Muskegon. He was en- 
ira^ed durina^ the iirst years of his residence here at loii:o;inij, 
at prices that would not be considered very good at the present 
time; sometimes selling good logs at $2 per tliousaud feet. 
Mr. Ryerson for several years kept the Walton House, the 
first frame hotel in Muskegon. He still resides in this city. 



GKAND KIVEK VALLEY. 443 

Ali'red A. Maxim was born in Chautauqua count v, X. Y.^ 
Jan. 26, 1820. Coming West in 1843, he made Kenosha, Wis., 
his first stoppini^ place. In November of that year lie started 
from Chicago for Grand Haven on a schooner, with two 3'oke 
of oxen and some men that he had employed, to seek his for- 
tune at lumberinii;. The next dav after reachino- Grand Haven 
he started along the beach of Lake Michiij-an for Muskeiron, 
there being at the time no road throuu'li the woods. Thev had 
not proceeded far when they came to a place where the drift- 
wood had filled up the narrow space between the water and a 
high baidc; and not being able to drive around, they were 
obliged to unload the wagons — part of the load beiiig barrels 
of pork — take apart the wagons, and carry them and the con- 
tents over the hill. They then led the oxen around, and having 
yoked them and put the wagon together, loaded up and started 
again. 

Mr. Maxim was entirely unacquainted with quicksand, and 
when driving along on the smooth sand at the mouth of Lit- 
tle Black Lake, the oxen began to sink, and before lie could 
get njjon dry land they had sunk so that their heads alone 
were visible. After great exertion they finally succeeded in 
rescuing the animals alive from their jierilous situation. They 
loft the beach at the mouth of Black Lake and went through 
the woods, taking their course by compass, and reached Mus- 
kegon Lake near where the A. Y. Mann & Co. Mill is now 
situated. From thence they followed along up the lake and 
stopped at the Muskegon House, then kept by Mr. Dill. These 
wa£]^ons w^ere the first ever driven into Muskes-on. Mr. Maxim 
has been engaged in lumbering most of the time since, and 
lias continued to reside on Muskegon liiver, his present home 
being in this city. 

John Ruddiman was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, March 
20, 1814, and came to this country in 1831. He lived four 
years in Pennsylvania, when he came to Michigan and lived a 
year in Detroit. In 1839 he removed to AYisconsin, where he 
remained until 1843, when he settled in Muskegon, where he 
has since continued to reside. In 1849 he built a mill on the 
north side of Muskegon Lake, in which, in 1850, he put in the 



444 MEMORIALS OF THE 

first sidin!^ mill in use on the lake. He built a flouring mill 
at the mouth of Bear Lake in 1862 — the first in operation on 
Muskegon Lake. 

Elias W. Merrill was born in Falmouth, Me., October 2, 
1812; came to Michigan in 1837, and settled in Muskegon in 
June, 1844. He has continued to reside here, excepting one 
3'ear when he liv^ed at Bridgeton, and one year in his native 
State, Mr. Merrill was elected to the Lower House of the 
State Legislature in 1856; was postmaster in 1861, State 
Senator in 1865, and postmaster a second time in 1869, hold- 
ding the ofiice till 1875. 

Robert W. Morris was born in 1813, in the State of New 
York, and settled on the Muskegon Biver in 1842, and a few 
years after came to Muskegon. For a number of years he 
was an active business man, but his health having failed he 
retired from business in 1865, and removed to Grand Bapids, 
where he died May 5, 1866. 

Ashley B. Furman was born in Saratoga county, IS^. Y., in 
Jan., 1819, and settled in Muskegon in 1845. Altliough he 
saw very much of the early history and settlement of Muske- 
gon, it is doubtful whether a reply that he once made to the 
question, "How long had he knoNvn Muskegon Biver?" was 
strictly true. He said "he had known the river ever since it 
was a small stream; in fact since it was first laid out." Mr. 
Furman died Oct. 4th, 1872. 

The forej2:oin£: are sketches of all of those who settled in 
Muskegon during the first ten years after the first settlement 
was made, so far as the writer has been able to learn. Some of 
these sketches are not as perfect as would be desirable, the 
necessary information not being accessible. 

SETTLERS PREVIOUS TO 1860. 

The following is a list of the persons who settled in Muske- 
gon prior to the year 1860, so far as the writer has been able 
to obtain their names: 

1846 — James Graham, B. Blake. 

1847 — Charles Morton, Frank Young. 

1848 — Ezra Stevens, I^ich. Betrie, C. Davis, Chas. Carrai- 
chael, E. A. Bartridge, Mrs. Julia Witherell, Mrs. Fanny 
Shepherd, John Witherell, Mrs. Albert Hodge. 



GRAND KIYEK TALLET. 445 

1849— Mrs. ^Y. Lloyd, Mrs. Ellen Boyd, Joliii Cameron, C. 
P. MeSherry, E. H. Wylie, Dennis Garvey, Tlieo. Wilson, 
Nich. Keiripff, P. J. Connell. 

1850 — Julius Bosksch, A. Towbridge, F. John Iletz, Jona- 
than Boyce, Thomas Mills, Fred Drixelius, Kister Werner, 
John Carinichael. 

1851— David Blake. 

1852— A. J. McHenry, Hubert Stein, J. D. Davis, Jacob 
Hetz, Charles T. Hills, Lars Larson, Fred Bowles, Edward 
Boyce, Eaymond Cllarrow, M. S. Burge, Dennis Reardon. 

1853— J. H. Swan, Charles W. Root, Wm. Glue, Peter 
Grossman. 

1854— L-a O. Smith, P. Dowd, Henry Yan Barabus, Ole 
Oleson, Wm. Kotelman, Nich. Schuler, Henry Jacob, John 
Bronson, Andrew Olson, Edward Ford. 

1855 — Alex Cotie, John W. Kent, Martin Kochlin, Peter 
Muhl, Capt. Henry Dobson, J. H. Hacley, Matthew Wilson, 
Henry H. Getty. 

1856— L. G. Mason, S. D. Murray, R. P. Easton, Luman 
Harablin, Gideon Truesdell, A. B. Miner, S. R. Sanford, F. 
Eimer, H. Riehle, J. W. Moon, John Torrent, Chas. H. Hack- 
ley, S. H. Stevens, Dr. A. Maurer. 

1857 — A. A. Bullock, M. F. Rainer, P. Schnorbach, Lewis 
M. Haines, John T. Dibble, Chas. D. Ts'elson, E. Potter, W. 
F. Wood, A. Y. Mann, W. L. Ryan, Thos. Wheeler, W. H. 
Lewis, Bennett Ripley, Wm. Rutherford, Chas. Graves. 

1858— Henry H. Ilolt, Wm. Pickett, George Schwegler, A. 
Rodgers. 

• 1859— S. B. Peck, Geo. Arraes, A. Mulder, J. Mulder, Geo. 
F. Outhwaite. 

THE SCHOOLS. 

The first school in Muskegon was a private one, tauglit by 
Miss Clark in the winter of 1848-9, in a room in the dwelling 
of Charles Martin. Among those now living in this county, 
who attended this school, are Henry Lasley, of Montague; 
AYilliam, x\ugust and Joseph Baddeau, of Holton; and Mrs. 
Minerva Currj', of this city. The first school-house erected 
was built by private subscription, in the autumn of 1849, on 



446 MEMORIALS OP THE 

tlie corner of Clay avenue and Terrace street, where the Smith, 
Henderson & Co. wagon shop now stands. It was 20x30 feet, 
one story, and cost about $300. It was afterwards consider- 
ably enlarged, and was for several years the only school-house 
and place for religious services in the viHage. It was hnally 
sold, removed, and converted into Holt's hall, wiiich M'as de- 
stroyed in the great fire, August 1st, 1874. Wm. D. Holt 
taught in this school-liouse the first winter. Miss Hoberts 
(afterwards the wife of Frank Cole) taught during the second 
winter and the summer following. 

The first union school building was erected in 1860, while 
Thomas Wheeler was director of the district. This M-as re- 
placed by the present building in 1875, Avhich cost $60,000. 

Miss Margaret Mclntyre has been engaged in the public 
schools in this city, either as principal or first assistant, for 
fifteen years prior to the close of the last term, having been 
employed continuously excepting one year. 

THE CHURCHES. 

The first priest of the Roman Catholic Church who officiated 
in Muskegon after the town was settled, was Father Vizoski. 
of Grand Rapids, who came here in 1835, and held services 
in Lasley's house. Services were held here occasionally after 
that time, but nothing was done towards building a church 
until 1856, when Father Van Pamel, of Grand Rapids, com- 
menc?d the work. The original building was completed and 
the first services held in it in 1857. It was known as St. Mary's 
Church. Since that time several additions and improvements 
have been made. The first resident ])riest in Muskegon was 
Father Stonehouse, wdio settled here in 1857. Father Rievers 
has occupied his present position eleven years. 

In 1843 Rev. Mr. Warring, of the Presbyterian Church, 
made a visit to Muskegon, when Mr. Ryerson, having fitted 
up seats in his boarding house, w^ent around and notified the 
people of the prqposed service. The settlers were all present, 
including an old man who was very much under the influence 
of liquor. The minister was preaching when the man went 
in, and was saying something in regard to the Jews; and as 
the old man passed along he chimed in, '*and Gentiles, too." 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 447 

Ko notice was taken of tins intrusion, and he took his seat on 
the stairs tliat led to the floor abf)Ve. He soon, however, be- 
f^an to respond very loudly, not witli the word amen, but in- 
stead the Indian on-in-day. Mr. Woodbury, who was sittini^ 
near, after making repeated attempts to keep liim quiet, took him 
by the collar and pulLiid him up stairs, and the ser\^ice3 pro- 
ceeded in an orderly m.wnner. At the close, a collection was 
taken, amounting to $7.50. This was the first Protestant ser- 
vice held in Muskegon, 

From this time until 1850, several ministers who were here 
on a visit or otherwise, held services, several of whom came at 
the request of Rev. Wm. M. Ferry, of Grand Haven. Among 
them was the Rev. Mr. Wheeler, who came a number of times 
in the winter of 1844-5, and held services in the boardina;- 
house occupied by Mr. Maxim. In the spring of 1850, an 
agreement was made with Rev. Mr. Reynolds, of the Congre- 
gationalist church, who lived at Lamont, to preach each alter- 
nate Sunday. Tlie services were held in the school-house, and 
the arrangement was continued through the summer and part 
of the following winter; he being the first minister who had a 
regular appointment. Sleighs were unknown in Muskegon in 
those days, but C. Davis had a one-horse sled on which was a 
wood-rack, which he used occasional^ when the snow was 
deep, in taking the ladies to church, accommodating as many 
as could stand in tlie rack. 

The lirst M. E. minister who preached here regularly was 
Rev. Mr- Bennet, in 1854-5. 

Rev. J, M. Pratt, of the M. E. church, settled in Muskegon 
as a minister in 1856, and soon after began to make arrange- 
ments for building a church. The Methodist church was com- 
menced in the spring of 1857, and was so far advanced that 
the basement was used in the spring of 1858; but it was not 
fully completed until the spring of 1859, when the dedication 
services were held on the 9th day of June, Rev. J. K. Gillett 
at that time being the pastor. The church, including tlie bell, 
cost, as appears by the report of the building committee, 
$11,600. 

The first resident Congregationalist minister of Muskegon 



448 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

was Rev. Mr. Pa3^son, who settled here in 1857, and remained 
until 1859. In Marcli, 1859, Eev. A. St. Clair located liere 
and bewail to preach, and the Congreo-ationalist society was or- 
ganized soon after; the services being lield, until 1SG3, in the 
basement of the M. E. church, at the same time the Methodist 
services were being held in the room above. In 1863, the 
Congregationah'st church was built, costing about $7,000. 

The original Dutcli Refoi-m church was built in 1859. This 
was a small building, and was sold and removed for a school- 
house. The large Dutch Reform church was built in 1865. 

The Dutch Reform ehurcli on Terrace street was built in 1866. 

The Universalist church was built in 1865. 

The Baptist church was built in 1871. 

The Scandinavian Lutheran church was built in 1865. 

St. Paul's Episcopal church was built in 1873. 

The Danish Lntheran church was built in 1874. 

The Swedish Lutheran church was built in 1875. 

The first Sunday school organized in Muskegon was in 1852, 
by Mrs. E. W. Merrill, Mrs. J. H. Knickerbocker, Mrs. E. 
Iluginin and Mrs. Chas. Odell. This was discontinued after a 
time, and a school was re-organized in 1854, by Fred. Bowles; 
Mrs. Elizabeth Bowles and some others assisting, since which 
date a Sunda}^ school ha's been continnally in existence in Mus- 
kegon. 

POST OFFICE AT MUSKEGON". 

In 1837, a post-office was established at the mouth of Mus- 
kegon River, and Henry Penoyer was appointed postmaster, 
who was to keep the post-office and bring the mail once a 
week from Grand Haven, for the proceeds of the office. In 
1839, Mr. Penoyer was elected sheriff of Ottawa county, and 
was obliged to give np the post office, and Christopher Fry- 
2ine was appointed in his place — Penoyer doing the business 
as deputy. 1841, the office was removed to the head of the 
lake, and Geo. "W. Waldron became postmaster. For the four 
years that Penoyer run the concern, the postage amounted 
to from $12 to $24 per quarter. The mail was carried as it 
happened — sometimes by an Indian and sometimes in Pen- 
oyer's pocket. All north received their mail from Muskegon. 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 449 

The post office was kept in the old Walton House for several 
years, when it was removed to the old warehouse building, 
now standing near the Chapin and Foss mill. Here it also 
remained for several years, until John B. Wheeler was 
appointed postmaster, who removed the office to the small 
Imilding on Water street, the second building north of T. 
Merrill's livery stable. The receipts of the office for the 
first year amounted to about $36.00. Previous to the or- 
ganization of the Muskegon post-office, the nearest office 
was Grand Haven, where the mail matter for the Muskegon 
people was i-eceived. There was no regular arrangement 
for getting the mail from Grand Haven, and it was brought 
here by persons who might chance to go there, and occa- 
sionally an Indian or some other person was sent for the 
mail. During the first few years after the post-office was es- 
tablished, the mail was received from Grand Kapids via Ra- 
venna once each week. After a time, the mail service was 
increased to three times per week, which continued until 1860, 
when, the Detroit & Milwaukee R. R. being completed, a daily 
mail route was established to Perrysbui'g. 

THE PRESS. 

There was no newspaper published in Muskegon until the 
spring of 1857, when Charles Cowen started the Muskegon 
Journal. It was Republican in politics, was published weekly 
in a room in the old Walton House. After a short time, Mr. 
Cowen took in Thomas H. Hodder as a partner, and the firm 
continued the publication of the paper until the autumn of the 
same year, when it was discontinued. 

The next news]>"'^er was the Muskegon lieporte?", which was 
started in April, 1851), by Fred B. Lee &Co. This was also a 
Republican weekly, and was published until October, 1864, 
when it was discontinued. August 20, 1864, John Bole started 
the Muskegon News, which he published a few months, and 
then sold to Wm. K. Gardner, who continued the publication 
vmtil March, 1865, when he sold his interest to Ferdinand 
Weller. The latter soon after bought the press and type of 
the Reporter office, and revived that j)aper, publishing two 
papai's. After a time they were united, and knov.'n as the 
29 



450 MEMORIALS OF Tin-] 

Neios and Reporter, which was published by Mr. Weller until 
December, 1869, wlien he sold the paper to Geo. C. Rice, who 
continued its publication as the Muskegon Chronicle. In 
August, 1870, Mr.Weller resumed the publication of the Heicy 
mid Reporter. The first Democratic paper started in Mus- 
kegon was the Muskegon Telegraph, which was succeeded bv 
the Muskegon Enterprise and Gazette and Bulletin, the lat- 
ter being discontinued Sept. 9, 1873. Charles S. Hilbourn 
established the Democratic Lakeside Register in the fall of 
1873, and still continues its publication. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The first physician who settled in Muskegon was Dr. Chas. 
P. McSherry, in 1849. 

The first attorney was Edwin Potter, in 1857; the second 
attorney was Henry II. Holt, in 1858. The latter was elected 
prosecuting attorney of Ottawa county, of which Muskegon 
then formed a part, the same year. 

Samuel R. Sanford was elected sheriff of Ottawa county in 
1858. 

R. O'llarrow has been general manager in the mill of C. 
Davis & Co. since January, 1854, a length of time in one i>o- 
sition not exceeded b}' that of any person in Muskegon. 

The first banking office in Muskegon was started by Capt. 
T. J. Rand in 1859. He also erected the building in 1867 now 
occupied by the Lumberman's National- Bank, which was -the 
first brick building in Muskegon. 

Muskegon county was organized in the winter of 1859, from 
territory detached from Ottawa county. C. Davis, E. W. 
Merrill, R. W. Morris were very active in securing the passage 
of the act, there being a very decided opposition to the meas- 
ure. The first election of county officers was held on the 
fourth of April of that year, when James H. Lobdell was 
elected sheriflp; E. H. "VVylie, county clerk; J. D. Davis, county 
treasurer; C. D. Nelson, register of deeds; Jesse D. Pullman, 
judge of probate; Henry H. Holt, prosecuting attorney, and 
Edwin Potter, circuit court commissioner. 

The officers entered on the discharge of the duties of their 
several offices on the first of June following, when the new 
county commenced its existence. 



GRAND EIVP:R VALLEY. 451 

Tlie first meeting of the board of supervisors was held in 
t]ie office of Henry H. Holt, on the 18th of Jnly, 1859, when 
E. W. Merrill represented the township of Muskeo-on; I. O. 
Smith, Korton; Nathan Whitney, Casnovia; and Thomas D. 
Smith, Ravenna. E. W. Merrill was elected chairman of the 
board. The first business transacted was the detaching of a jiart 
of Muskegon township and organizing the same into the town- 
ship of Eggleston. 

The supervisors of the townships of White River and Dalton 
refused to meet with the board, claiming that the organization 
of the county was illegal and void. I. E. Carleton, the super- 
visor from Oceana township, was afterwards pyoseciited for 
neglect of official duty. A statement of fac^s was agreed upon 
and submitted to a jury, which found him guilty upon a special 
verdict; Avhereupon Judge Littlejohn, who was the first Judge 
of the county, imposed a small fine. Mr. Carleton then took 
the case to the Supreme Court — as it was understood that he 
would when a decision was rendered — which sustained the 
organization, the court being equally divided. 

The first representative in the State Legislature in Muskegon 
was Chauncey Davis, who was elected in 1860 and was re-elect- 
ed in 1862. 

The village of Muskegon was incorporated in 1861, and the 
first election was held in the basement of the M. E. Church, on 
tlm8th of July of that year, when Lyman G. Mason was elected 
president; E. Potter, E. W. Morris, C. P. Bigelow and Thos. 
Mills, trustees; Pobt. McQueen, recorder; Luman Hamblin, 
marshal; C. T>. ISTelson, treasurer, and Hemw H. Holt, village 
attorne}'. 

An act was passed by the Legislature in 1869, incorporating 
the city of Muskegon, and the first election was held on the 
fourth day of April, 1870. The first officers of the city govern- 
ment were Chauncey Davis, mayor; C. C. Chamberlain, record- 
er; A. C. Truesdell, treasurer, and W. P. Odell and R. O'Har- 
row, aldermen of the first ward; J. H. Landreth and Alex. 
Rodgers, aldermen of the second ward; and Chas. Kreig and 
Dennis Riordan, aldermen of the third ward. 

MUSKEGON HARBOR. 

The harbor at the mouth of Muskegon River and Lake, re- 



452 MEMORIALS OF THE 

inained in its natural condition until tlie year 1863, wlien the 
work of improving it was begun. Until this time, at the 
best stage of the water, there was scarcely ever more than six 
feet on the bar; oftener not more than four or five feet; and 
at times, after a strong wind from the southwest, the sand 
would be drifted in so that men have waded across. In 1863, a 
corporation called the Muskegon Harbor Company, was organ- 
ized under the provisions of a law of this State, for the pur- 
pose of improving the channel. This company built a slab 
pier on each side of the channel, the south pier being 1,500 
feet long, and the north pier about 500 feet. The first su- 
perintendent was J. H. llackley. Afterwards, L. G. Mason 
was the superintendent and completed the work done by the 
company. Previous to the building of the piers there was no 
well-defined channel, the water of the river spreading in every 
direction on reaching Lake Michigan. As a consequence, 
whatever there was of a channel, was very changeable as well 
as crooked, and even after the piers were commenced the water 
did not flow directly into the lake. To obviate this difficulty, 
the superintendent resorted to the somewhat novel expedient 
of boring a channel through the sand. To accomplish this, 
he chartered the propeller Caldwell to force her way back- 
wards from Lake Michigan into Muskegon Lake, agreeing to 
pay $1,500 for the job. The revolutions of the wheel cleared 
away the sand so that the propeller continually " advanced 
backwards," but so slowly that the Captain, at one time, was 
inclined to relinquish his undertaking; but on endeavoring to 
return into Lake Michigan, he found that so much of the sand 
that he had displaced, had settled behind the propeller that 
she could not move in that direction, and his only course was 
to go into Muskegon Lake, turn around and then bore out 
again. The result was that the current of the river was so 
strong that it afterwards kept the straight channel to Lake 
Michigan open. 

This company was composed entirely of those interested in 
the Muskegon lumber business, and expended altogether about 
$40,000, all of which was donated towards this improvement. 

Congress soon after began to make appropriations for the 



GEAND EIVEK VALLEY. 453 

same purpose — the result of all wliicli is, that this harbor is 
undoubtedly the best on Lake Michigan, there being at the 
present time sixteen feet of water on the bar. 

The current of the river is so strong that the channel never 
freezes over. Even in the cold winter of 1874 it did not 
freeze, and had it not been for the ice on Lake Michigan, ves- 
sels could have entered at any time and runup to Muskegon 
Lake, a distance of nearly a mile. 

COXCLUSION. 

Among those who were born in Muskegon and are still resi- 
dents of Muskegon county, are Mrs. John Curry, Mrs. Hora- 
tio Hovey, James and George Graham of Muskegon; and 
Mrs. A. G. Smith, of Lakeside; S. H. Lasley, of Montague; 
and William, Augustus, Michael and Joseph Baddeau, of 
Holton. 

In closing this imperfect sketch of the early history of Mus- 
kegon, the writer wishes to express his obligations to Messrs. 
M. Ryerson, C. Davis. M. W. Lloyd, George B. AYoodbury, 
R. O'Harrow, Geo. Ruddiman, A. A. Maxim, R. Ryerson, 
and Mrs. Susan Bohne, Mrs. Julia Witherell, Mrs. Fanny 
Shepherd and many others, for valuable assistance rendered 
in furnishing information. 

GLEANINGS. 

Thus far Mr. Holt is the historian of Muskegon. That his 
work has been well done the citizens of Muskegon attest. The 
gleanings after him are comparatively meager. 

'^ HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS AND SHIPPING. 

Before the United States took the matter in hand, individ- 
uals built about 1,000 feet of slab pier on the south pier, and 
and about 500 feet on the nortii. The improvements made 
l)y the United States at the harbor consist in building about 
500 feet of stone cribs and 300 feet of piling on the south pier, 
and about the same of each on the north. 

Tiie clearances from this port in 1875 were 2,577; aggre- 
gate tonnage, 526,194. Of these 250 were steamer, and 250 
barges. 

The first railroad, in 1869. 



454 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

A lighthouse was built in 1855. That was torn down, and 
the present one erected in 1871. 

SOCIETIES. 

The Muskegon Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M.— OrganizedJan. 8th, 1867, with 
15 charter members. 

Muskegon Commandery, No. 22 — Instituted June 3d, 1868, with 12 mem- 
bers. 

Muskegon Lodge, No. 92, of I. 0. 0. T. — Date of organization, April 16th, 
1863; 2U charter members; first lodge organized. 

Germania Lodge, No. 179 — Organized Jan. 25th, 1872; 5 charter mem- 
bers. 

Lovell Moore Lodge — Organized Jan. 18th, 1866; 10 members. Named 
in compliment to the Masonic Oracle, at Grand Rapids. 

BAPTIST cnUKCH. 

Organized Sunday evening, April 24th, 1870. Constituent members: 

Samuel Ligham; Anson Clayton, Dudley D. Wheeler, Mrs. E. B. Wheeler, 
Mrs. Eliza E. Barnes, Mrs. Hannah Martin, Mrs. Carrie Burgess, Mrs. Jane 
Bartlett, Mrs. Mary Clayton, Mrs. Elvira Butterfield, Mrs. Carrie Nelson, 
Mrs. Elvira Benton, Mrs. Sarah A. Merrill, Miss Jennie E. Mason, Miss El- 
la L. Mason, Edward H. Wilson, Mrs. Jennie A. Wilson, Annie Blackmer, 
Hiram M. Beals, Augustus I. Loomis. 

A. I. Loomis was chosen Clerk. Twenty members. , 

During the first year services were held in Holt's Hall and Leonard's Hall. 

The present church edifice cost $2,000; was dedicated the 28th of May, 
187L 

Rev. J. F. Hill became pastor the 1st of September, 1870, and has ever 
since held that relation. 

Rev. J. R. Monroe. Rev. C. C. Miller and Rev. L. Parmelee had preached 
occasionally before the settlement of Mr. Miller. 

Present membership, 88 (1876). 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Organized 1855. First members: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ainsworth, Mr. anci^ 
Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Bowles, — 5. 

. Pastors, and dates: 1855, L. M. Bennett; 1856-7, Rev. Mr. Pratt; 1858, 
part of year, Rev. Mr. Kent; 1858-9, D. D.Gillett; 1860, part of year, J. N. 
Dayton; 1860-1, L. W. Earl; 1862, A. P.Moors; 1863, H. Caldwell; 1864-5, 
H. A. Pattison; 1866, W. W. Rork; 1867-8, G. D. Lee; 1869, J. L. Child; 
1870, G. S. Hickey; 1871, W. W. Baldwin; 1872-3-4, J.Graham; 1875-8, C. 
L. Bumhart. 

Building erected, 1857, at cost of about $12,000. 

Present number of members, 123. 

REFORMED CHURCH. 

In 1856, five Dutch families began to meet on Sundays for worship. The 
number increased, and a church building, 30x60, was erected, the material 



GKAND EIVEK VALLEY. 455 

of Avhicli was donated by Americans. In 1859, a church was organized. Rev. 
A. Honbolt became pastor in 1864; succeeded in 1872 by Rev. Jacob Vander 
Meuler, who still ministers to the church. 

In 1865, a new church was built, which was enlarged in 1873. Value of 
church property, $12,000. 

Numbers — 209 families; 218 communicants; 230 catechumen; 220 Sabbath 
School children. 

TRUE DUTCH KEFORMED CHURCH. 

Date of organization — October 26, 1867. 

Original members — Jacob Temple, E. N. Van Baalen, J. Medema, John 
Boersema, G. Heeres, Joe. Mulder, C. Knipers, D. Sherda, M. Alting, J. 
Pothof, W. Schnitema, Jac. Boogema, John Waaltens, 0. Timmer, P. 
Kniper, W. Baker, S. Langeland, J. Pasma, E. Langeland. 

Pastors— Rev. L. Rietdyk, arrived March 1, 1870, left February 29, 1872. 
Rev. D. J. Vander Werp, arrived Aug. 26, 1872, died April 1, 1876. No pas- 
tor at present. 

The first year after their organization they built a little church on Apple 
street, but had to move it the next year, because the railroad company laid 
the track through the adjoining lot. It was moved to 263 and 265 Terrace 
street; in 1872 there was an addition built to it, and also a new house for the 
pastor. Value, about $3,500. 

Pour hundred, being in a fair condition, and constantly increasing. 

By J. D. Vander Werp, Member. 

Two documents are lying before tlie writer — the one, the 
commission of Christopher Fryzine, as postmaster at Mnske- 
gon, dated. April 29th, 1839, with the signature of Amos Ken- 
dall; the other, the iirst tax-roll of Muskegon, then a part of 
Ottawa county. From it may be seen the taxable wealth of 
the county at that date, and who were the solid men. 

TAX ROLL OP 1839. 

^ Names and property taxed : Joachim Lansdak, $185; John Nait (or Nail), 
$60; James Banks, $105; John Jacfoon, $105; Henry Penoyer, $165; Wm. 
Bailey, $75; Joseph Trottier, $260; B. H. Wheelock, $3,000; Wm. Lasley, 
$1,910; Geo. Gown, $30; Joseph Stannock, $110; Louis B. Badeu, $1,850; 
T. Newell & Co., $1,683. Total. $8,938. Signed, E. Wilcox. J. K. New- 
comb, C. Fryzine. Dated, May 20th, 1839. 

THE BRANDED HAND. 

There lives, six miles from Muskegon, an aged and respectable fiirmer, by 
the name of Jonathan Walker, whois known as the man with the hranded 
hand — as he bears, burnt into the palm of his hand, the letters "S. S.," 
(slave stealer.) In 1843, he was arrested on the coast of Florida, while at- 
tempting to run off some slaves in a boat; was put in jail, tried, sentenced 
to pay a fir.e, be branded in the hand, and stand one hour in the pillory, 



456 MEMORIALS OF THE 

where lie was pelted with rotten eggs. His history was published by the 
Anti-Slavery Society, and was what gave the inspiration to Whittier's poem, 
"The Branded Hand." 

" Welcome home again, brave seaman, 
With thy thoughtful brow and gray." 

Get the book and read it. It is too long to copy here. It may teach you 
to appreciate poetry and Whittier. 

HOLLAND. 

The colonization of the region around Black Lake by Hol- 
landers, is an important item in the history of Micliigan. Be- 
gun in the spirit of the old Puritans, its results so far have 
been felt in the Netherlands and in America. 

Some account of the movement which resulted in the settle- 
ments in Michigan, is given, on the authority of the Rev. Yan- 
der Meuler, in connection with the sketch of the liistory of 
Zeeland. For the early history of Holland, we have availed 
ourselves of the laboriously prepared paper of G. Van Schel- 
ven, Esq., read July 4th, 1876. Mr. Yan Schelven has zeal- 
ously and carefully collected his information; it has stood the 
test of criticism, having been delivered to the public, and pub- 
lished in the papers. We are happy to state that he is prepar- 
ing to publish a more full and circumstantial history. By 
what he has done, he has placed the colonists and history un- 
der obligations, and secured for himself perpetual remembrance 
as the historian of the Holland settlement. It is nnnecessary 
to speak of the value of this paper — it speaks for itself, and 
will in future be the authority. 

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF HOLLAND CITY AND COLONY. 
BY G. VAN SCHELVEN, ESQ. 

In the winter of 1845-6 a meeting of the leading men, favor- 
in o* emigration, was held in Amsterdam, The times were 
exceedingly hard, and growing more and more oppressive for 
the laboring classes, with little or no prospects of their in)- 
])n)vement, and it was felt that something should be done for 
their relief. The meeting appointed a committee to waitmpon 
the Government watli a proposition to colonize in the Dutcli 
East Indies, and locate upon the highlands of Java. Tiie re])ly 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 457 

was that tlie Government had no authority to sanction snch 
a movement upon tlie religious basis on which it was proposed. 
The Cape of Good Hope was the next point which received 
their attention, and lastly America was considered. 

In the summer of 1840, the Eev. Thomas DeWitt, D. D., 
of New York, was sent by the General Synod of the Reformed 
(Dutch) Church of America, on an official mission to Holland. 
The extent to which this visit has been instrumental in turn 
ing the projected emigration toward America, is difficult to 
ascertain. Judging from subsequent events, however, it must 
have had a marked effect upon the inquiring minds of the 
leaders. In his report to the General Synod, in 1817, he says: 
"When in Holland, I received information of a rising spirit 
of emigration to America, and especially among the {afges^ 
cheidenen) seceders from the established church. * * 
Soon two important colonies from this class will be founded 
in the AYest." 

During the spring of 1846, and before any organization or 
system of emigration had been perfected, two persons, Messrs. 
A. Hartgerink and J.Arnold, started for this country. Their 
friends fitted them out for the voyage, and the deacons of the 
church collected money and clotiiing for tliem. They were 
sent out to make a preliminary examination here and report 
to the brethren in the old country. Ds. Yan Raaltegave them 
the necessary letters of introduction to Dr. De Witt and others. 
After their arrival they forwarded an extended account of their 
trip -and observations here, which account was favorably re- 
ceived in Holland. It was a voluminous document, the post- 
age on the same amounting to eleven guilders. 

Emigration to America now began to be generally discussed 
and agitated, and the mind was permanently fixed upon '' the 
West." Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa were among 
the favorite localities. 

On the 14th day of September, 1846, an American vessel, 
the "Southerner," of Boston, Capt. Crosby, weighed anchor 
at Rotterdam, and carried across the Atlantic the first emi- 
grants destined for this settlement. As they constituted the 
first Holland pioneers of this colony, we have secured the 
names of nearly all of them: 



458 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Alberhus C. Van Eaalte, Hendrick Oldeineyer, Frans Sinit, 
Jau Laarman, Egbert Yan Zee, Jan Kannaii, Jan Klaasen, 
Hendrick De Kruif, Bernardus Grootenhnis, J. Dunnewind, 
Willem Netting, — Yan den Boogaart, Evert Zagers, Egbert 
Freriks, Hendrick Kok, Herman Lankheet. 

Most of them were heads of families. After a voyage of 
forty-seven days they arrived at New York on the 4th day of 
November, 1846, from where they left by steamer for Albany ; 
thence via Bnffalo and Cleveland to Detroit. Here the party 
scattered for a time, in order to enable Ds. Yan Eaalte to de- 
cide upon his location. 

In New York Ds. Yan Eaalte was welcomed by Eev. Dr. 
De "Witt, Mr. Forrester and others, friendly to the Hollanders 
and their cause. The same can be said of many more in the 
different cities along; his travels: Eev. Drs. Wvckoif and Beth- 
une at Albany; Eev. Dr. Duffield, Hon. Theodore Eomeyn, 
Eev. Mr. "West, Gen. Cass and Hon. C. C. Trowbridge, at De- 
troit; Eev. Mr. Hoy t at Kalamazoo ; Judge Kellogg at Allegan, 
and others. 

Owing to the close of navigation, and satisfactory informa- 
tion obtained at Detroit, it was resolved to abandon the hei-e- 
tofore quite prevailing preference for Wisconsin and proceed 
to Western Michigan. The motives leading to this selection 
on the part of Ds. Yan Eaalte are perhaps best described by 
himself in a translated extract from his oi-ation delivered in 
1872, on the quarter-centennial celebration of the settlement 
of the colony 

"Although the Americans recommended the localities near 
rivers, and in general deemed it too great a hazard to settle 
here; although the Hollanders avoided the forests, occasioning 
a great struggle to subject my family and myself to the incon- 
viences of such pioneering; nevertheless, the combination of 
so many advantages, although at first they could be but slowly 
developed, left me no doubt as to what ni}' duty was. I knew 
that the rich forest soil is better fitted for the dairy, and for 
winter wheat; that owing to the manufacturing inter^'sts and 
navigation, by far liiglicr market prices could be obtained here 



GRAND KIVIiJB VALLEY. 459 

than at any place in the West; and that the country near the 
shore of Lake Michigan was protected by tlie water from severe 
frosts, and pre-eminently a region adapted for fruit. I could 
find no place where similar to those regions along the inhabi- 
ted rivers, lined with manufactories and mills, where the tens 
of thousands could find work without danger of being scat- 
tered, and where, at the same time, we were certain of an op- 
portunity to continually secure land, without any interference, 
for a group of settlements, I chose this region, with much 
decision, on account of its great variety, being assured that if 
the Holland emigration should develop into a power, we ought 
to remain together for mutual support, and ought to have this 
variety for labor and capital, especially for future growth. * 

"•The object of my settling between the Kalamazoo and Grand 
Rivers was to secure the advantages of both these rivers — for 
we could not get along without the settled regions — and at the 
same time to establish a center for a united and spiritual life 
and labor for God's Kingdom." 

In company with Judge Kellogg, of Allegan, and an Indian 
guide, following an Indian trail, Ds. Yan Eaalte arrived here 
for the first time in the latter part of December, 1846. They 
landed at the house of Rev. G. K. Smith, a Presbyterian mis- 
•sionary among the Indians, located upon section 3, of the 
township of Fillmore. At this time, the only white set- 
tlers in this entire neighborhood, besides Ds. Smith, were I. 
Fairbanks, Esq., and G. Granmer. Their nearest neighbor 
was Mr. A. Shorno, on section 26, township of Fillmore. Mr. 
Fairbanks lived next to Ds. Smith, and Mr. Cranmer on the 
farm now owned hj Mr. Geerlings, northeast of the *' Nykerk " 
Church. 

Having satisfied himself as to the exact location of lake, river 
and hai'bor, and having determined upon the site for the village, 
Ds. Yan Kaalte, in January, 1847, returned to Detroit, to collect; 
his little band. During his al)sencehe had procured work for the 
men at St. Clair, where a steamboat was being built. His own 
family had remained at Detroit. That same month they packed 
up and proceeded via Kalamazoo to Allegan, where they met 



460 MEMORIALS OF THE 

witli i^reat liospitality, especially at the hands of Judge Kel- 
logg. After remaining here for a few days making the neces- 
sary preparations for their ontfit, the party started for Black 
Lake. The women and children remained at Allegan with the 
exception of Mrs. Grootenhuis, who volunteered to be the cook 
for the party. They were again accompanied by an Indian 
guide and Judge Kellogg. Mr. Geo. S. Harrington, Sr., also 
came down with them and drove the ox-team. The trip from 
Allegan to Rev. Smith's house was made in one day. Here 
they arrived, as near as we can ascertain, on the 12tli of 
February, 1847. Rev. Smith received these men with the 
greatest of hospitality, and, together with Mr. Fairbanks, 
aided materially toward fitting these pioneers lor the difficult 
and unknown task before them. 

Arrangements had. been made at Allefran throno-h Jud<re 
Kellogg, whereby in a few days they were followed by a party 
of Americans, who were to remain a while, and learn them 
how to chop trees, build log houses, and make roads, many of 
them not even knowing how to connect the ax with the helve. 
The Indian church, located near Rev, Smith's house, served as 
lodging place. 

The first work was the opening of a road from Mr. Fairbanks' 
place to the head of Black Lake. They followed a line running 
between sections 33 and 34, and 28 and 27, T. 5, K 15 W. 
At the latter place they found that the cedar swamp was a 
serious obstacle in their way, and they resolved before proceed- 
ing anj^ further to put up their iirst quarters on the hill 
near the house of Mrs. W. Van Der Ilaar, on section 28 of same 
town. Two log sheds were built 16x30 feet, with brush roofs. 
This hill is among the most interesting spots of our early his- 
tory. Here they lost the first member of their little band; here 
the first child was boni to the colonists, and for a long while 
aiterwards these sheds served as receiving barracks for the new 
comers. 

The women and children who had been left at Allegan, were 
now sent for, and they also took up their quarters in the log 
shanties. It is but proper and just to mention the favors and 
kindness bestowed upon these families during their stay at 



GEAND EIVER VALLEY. 461 

Allegan, and it is not without regret tliat we have failed to 
ascertain their names. 

During that same winter, another small party of immigrants 
liad reached Albany, !N^. Y. They were advised to come on 
West, and reached here about the 10th of March, 1847. They 
numbered some fifteen strong, and among them we find the 
names of G. J. Hofman, W. Kremer, Plasman, Kolvoort and 
Slaghuis. 

For weeks and months, now, the colonists applied themselves 
to the making of roads. From the log sheds, the road was 
continued along the farm of Ds. Yan Raalte through the pres- 
ent city to the head of Black Lake and the " Indian Yillage," 
so-called. 

The next arrival was also in the month of March. A party 
of immigrants, numbering nearly one hundred, had arrived at 
St. Louis, and were anxiously awaiting the development of the 
colonization schemes then pending in Michigan and in Iowa, 
and not only for their own guidance but also for the informa- 
tion of the hundreds who were to follow that year. This St. 
Louis party appointed a committee of three to come out here 
and prospect, and selected as such Messrs. T. Keppel, H. Yan 
der Haar and J. Binnekant. They arrived here March IT, 
1847, making their way via Peoria, Chicago, Niles and Alle- 
gan. Having become satisfied with the prospects, Mr. Kep- 
pel returned to St. Louis with a favorable report, and the par- 
ty arrived here in the month of May, 1847. The season hav- 
ing far enough advanced, they made the trip via Chicago and 
Grand Haven, stopping for a while at Port Sheldon, in the 
old and deserted buildings of the Port Sheldon Company, un- 
til the men had put up the necessary sheds for shelter at the 
mouth and at the head of the lake. 

In the spring of 1847, Ds. Yan Raalte had his house built, 
and brought his family from Allegan. 

The winter they had just passed was a severe one; the snow 
had averaged over two feet deep. The supplies during that 
time were principally brought in from Allegan. Towards 
spring, most of the colonists began to look up lands and locate 
for themselves. 



4:62 MEMORIALS OF TirE 

Before we break off this part of our sketch, we will give tlie 
following incidents connected with that memorable winter 
wiiich they passed in these log sheds: The first child was born 
in the family of Mr. Laarman. The second was born in the 
family of Mr. Jan Schaap. Both were baptized together, bv 
Ds. Yan Raalte, in the open air in front of his house. The 
first death was that of Mrs. I^otting; seven others died that 
winter at the log sheds. They lie buried, as near as can be 
ascertained, near the barn on the farm of Mrs. W. Yan den 
Haar. Tlie first marriage was that of Lambert Floris with 
Jantjen Meyerink. 

The spring and summer of 1847 brought hundreds of immi- 
grants from the old country, and it was extremely difficult to 
keep supplied with necessaries of life. What few gold "Wil- 
lems" v/cre still scattered between them went but a short wav 
to provide for the first wants. Lumber had to be rafted at Sau- 
gatuck, and floated down all the way along lake Michigan and 
Black Lake. Provisions were brought in and carried on the 
back for a distance of ten and twenty miles. 

As early as the summer of 184r7, the colonists commenced 
to build their log church and finished it in part, that same 
fall. The building was located in the southwest corner of 
the present cemetery. It was built of logs, with a shingled 
roof, and was 35x60 feet. Its location there, was in order to 
accommodate the people settling in the country and perhaps 
also owing tx> the old country idea of having the church in the 
cemetery. When a few years afterwards the present First Re- 
form Church was built, it took considerable argument to 
have it located in the village, where it now stands. The 
log cliurch was also used for school and public meetings. 

From the very begiiming the settlers organized a system of 
public meetings, and the latter constitute a prominent part in 
the history of the Holland Colony, partaking somewhat of 
the character of the historical town-meeting in the early his- 
tory of New England. The proceedings of these meetings 
during the winter of 1848, form a very interesting chapter in 
this sketch. For, inasmuch as the first township organization 
did not take place until 1849, and whereas for want of citizen- 



GRANB RIVER VALLEY. 463 

ship and the riglit to vote, the Hollanders were excluded from 
all active participation in public matters until the spring of 
1851, they relied upon these meetings for an expression of 
their views and a discussion of matters generally. They de- 
sired some kind of government in which the various interests 
represented by them would receive due consideration in the 
spirit of their immigration; hence, they resolved themselves, 
as it were, into a small democracy, governing according to 
what a majority of them deemed to be promotive of the 
greatest good to the greatest number. These meetings, knowm 
as " Volksvergadering,^'' took cognizance of all the religious, 
educational, social and public interests of the colony and the 
people. Roads and bridges were built, church and school 
organized and provided for, personal grievances settled, labor 
and wages regulated, etc. 

The jDroceedings of these meetings during the year, 1847 
are supposed to be lost; at least they are not within my 
reach. Many incidents of historical interest must have been 
recorded in that year. 

The majoi'ity of the colonists who arrived in 1847 and 1848 
landed at the mouth of Black Lake. Many of them made the 
entire trip from the Old Country here, by water, leaving Kew 
York via the Hudson river and Erie Canal to Buffalo, and 
thence around the lakes by steamers or vessels. Of theverv 
first lumber brought in, enough was appropiated at the harbor 
to put up a large building ordered by the " Yolksvergaderinq^'' 
as a sort of receiving depot for the accommodation of the new 
comers. This building was put up just south of the " old chan- 
nel," under the direction of Messrs. T, Keppel, Kensink and 
H. J. Hesselink. Mr. C. Yan der Yeere was appointed agent 
to receive them and forward them to town. Many of those 
who arrived then did not remain, but went to Wisconsin and 
other points. 

It was soon evident to the colonists that what little oround 
had been cleared up during the spring would not begin to raise 
sufficient supplies for their support during the next winter. 
Hence every cleared spot and old Indian clearing within a 
range of 10 or 15 miles was explored, and at the public meet- 



464: MEMORIALS OF THE 

ings details were organized, under some competent man to 
cultivate them. The Port Sheldon clearings were assigned to 
Mr. Geo. S. Harrington, and they were used in this wa}^ for 
two seasons, to raise potatoes, corn and buckwheat, the bulk 
of Avhich was carried in on the back. 

Dependent to a great extent uj)on outside assistance for al- 
iru)st everything in the way of information and instruction, 
the colonists availed themselves of every opportunity which 
was offered. Thus it was ordered by the " Vollsverffadermg,^^ 
that Mr. K. Schilleman should go to Saugatuck to inform 
himself of the American way of iishing. 

In June, IS-tT, word was sent from Albany that a large dele- 
gation from the province of Zeeland, under the leadership of 
Rev. C. Vander Meulen and Mr. J. Yan de Luyster, Sr., had 
arrived, and that after long and serious meditation they had 
decided to locate in Michigan. Several long sheds for their 
reception were put uj) at the head of Black Lake. The num- 
bered about four hundred, and arrived here in the month of 
July, coming all the way by water, and occupying the quarters 
assigned to them, where they remained during the balance of 
the season in tents and temporary sheds. After prospecting 
and examining the territory east of us, they concluded to locate 
in townsiiip 5, range 14. Thus were laid the foundations of 
what is now the prosperous village and township of Zeeland. 

The arrivals during the summer began to increase. A sharp 
rivalry in recruiting had sprung up between this colony and 
other localities in Wisconsin and Iowa where the Hollanders 
were settling. And right here allow me to state that it can 
never be truthfully said that as far as the present development 
of this colony and of the Hollanders is concerned, it is in no 
wise to be accredited to either the wealth or the intellectual 
attainment of the masses whose lots were cast here; but, to the 
contrary, let it be recorded as history, that the material pros- 
perity, the intellectual development, and social elevation which 
has transferred the immigrant of 1847 into the American citi- 
zen of 1876, is due largely to the energy, forethought and gen- 
eral leadership of the founder of this colony. 

By this time there was quite a population scattered along 



GEAKD KIVEK VALLEY. 



465 



the shores of Black Lake. The Indian village, near the 
southeastern limits of the city, was also a prominent landing- 
place. The log-lioiiS83, built by the Indians, were of great 
service to the newly a'Tived immigrants; and, as it appears, 
there never has been any trouble between the Red man and 
the Dutchman. 

x\s the number of colonists increased, the demand for pro- 
visions and supplies became greater. In view of this fact and 
the coming winter, a public meeting of all the settlers, includ- 
ing the Zeelanders, was held, to devise ways and means in that 
direction. It was proposed to appoint a suitable committee to 
go East and buy a large stock of provisions, dry goods, gro- 
ceries, hardware, stores, etc., etc. All the colonists were to 
contribute, according to what each had left, and thus organize 
a sort of apostolic stc>ck company. The details how each was 
to be represented in this company and be secured for his in- 
vestment, wei-e all agreed upon, and quite a large sum of 
money was collected — enough to pay about fifty per cent, down 
on a stock of several thousand dollars, and have enongli left 
for another object which we will mention below. All this was 
resolved upon, ordered to be carried out, and begun. Messrs. 
B. Grootenhuis, witii Elder Young, ol" Grand Rapids, were 
selected to go to Albany and New York and buy the goods. 
A store was built near the Lake (south of AVelton & Akeley's) 
to sell and disburse these goods. This was called tlie " colony- 
store." Mr. B. Grootenhuis was appointed general agent, and 
served as snch for about a year. With the money received 
from sales, pork and flour was again bought at Allegan, 
through the agency of Mr. H. D. Post, who was there at that 
time also getting ready to locate here. Part of the goods 
bought East, remained on the way all winter, and did not 
reach here until the next spring. However, this was only a 
beginning of the disappointments. 

In connection with this supply business and "colony-store," 
it was also resolved to buy a •' colony-vessel." The object was 
not only that this vessel should cany on the trade between the 
new colony and other points, and bring in this stock of goods; 
but it should also be known abroad, and especially in the Old 
.^0 



46G MEMORIALS OF THE 

Couiitiy, tliat tlic colonists liacl a vessel of tlieir own, to carry 
immigrants from Buffalo, Chicago, Milwaukee and other points 
along the lalces. As far as we can learn, the purchase was 
made by J. Van De Luyster, Sr., Mr. Steginga and Capt, 
Clausen. Tlie vessel was of one hundred tons burthen, called 
the A. K. Iinichei'hocker, and bought from Mr. Walton, of 
Chicago. About the career of this vessel we have not been 
able to ascertain much, only that it managed to bring over a 
part of this stock of goods from Chicago; also that it carried 
a few of the immigrants, who refused to pay for tlieir passage 
on the broad and general grounds of its being a "colony- 
vessel." It tailed to give satisfaction to those whose money 
had been invested in the enterprise, and she was subsequently 
sold to outside parties. 

But to return to the store business, Mr. J. Yan De Luyster, 
Jr., succeeded jSIr. B. Grootenhuis as agent or manager of the 
" colony-store," and in the course of the year following, amidst 
all sorts of troubles, complaints, alleged irregularities of one 
kind and another, the " colony-store " was wound up, leaving 
the largest stockholders minus their investment. 

The first year was in every resjDCct a severe test of the cour- 
age and perseverance of the colonists. Sickness among them 
was fearful, and the death-rate became alarming. In some 
localities the small-pox had broken out, and for a while it oc- 
cupied about all the time and attention of the able-bodied to 
attend to the wants of the sick and dying, and to the burial 
of the dead. Among the colonists was only one doctor — J. S. 
M. C. Van Nus. The services rendei-ed by Ds. Van liaaltc, 
as ph3'sician, in those dark days, and for years thereafter (until 
the arrival of the Doctors W. E. and C. P. Marsh in 1853), 
are among the many noble deeds clustering around his career 
as a leader. 

And how could the condition of the people be otherwise? 
Think of the causes that led to diseases, and contributed to 
their misery. A strange climate, a malarious atmosphere, 
undrained marshes, unwholsome food, and insufficient shelter; 
want of experience in the nature of their diseases, as in every- 
tliing else; no refreshments or delicacies for their sick; noth- 



GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 467 

ing but the coarsest of victuals, and that without the necessary 
facilities for preparation or cooking-; quacks coming in from 
outside palming themselves off for doctors, throwing upon the 
Iiands of the few able-bodied, an army of convalescents, with 
poisoned systems, aching bones, and rattling teeth. We will 
let Ds. Yan Raalte describe these trying days in his own 
words : 

"Tlie difhculties to contend with were many; still, the sing- 
ing of Psalms in the huts and under the bushes was something 
inexplicable to the superficial beholder; with many there was 
a taitii in God, and a consciousness of a noble purpose. * * 

"In the latter part of that first summer our trials reached their 
climax, for tlie whole colony became one bed of sickness, and 
many died through the want of comfortable dwellings and well 
prepared and suitable food. Physicians were summoned from 
abroad, and paid out of the colony funds. The condition was 
heart-rending and discouraging, and required, in opposition to 
man's sensitive nature, a painful sternness. Never was I 
nearer to the point of despair than when I entered those 
crowded huts and saw the constant mingling of household 
duties amid sickness and death, and dressing of corpses in those 
huts where each family was forced to accommodate itself to a 
limited space of a few square feet. No wonder that we could 
notice an increase of despairing indifference in that hour of 
sore affliction. God granted a change! The sick were restored 
to health. 

"The foil was a most beautiful one, and the winter was so 
extraordinarily mild, that everybody could build and perform 
out-door labors and even partake of their meals in the open 
air. The majority left for the country, and to a great extent 
the weak and needy remained near the landing place." ''* * 

The great mortality of that season among the colonists, had 
left them with many orphans on their hands, who were 
promptly taken in by other families and cared for. Their 
constant increase, however, led . to the building of the 
orphan house, a project in perfect keeping with the spirit in 
which they had started out. One Sunday morning, a iea 



408 MEMORIALS OF THE 

months after the partial completion and occupition of the log 
church, Ds. Yan Eaalte suggested to his people the necessity 
tliat something of this kind should be done, and that forth- 
with. ITe urged it with all the power and force of language 
at his command. The result was, not only the opening of a 
subscription list, and the pledging of money, labor and ma- 
terial, but with a commendable devotion, the jewelry of the 
wives of the colonists was freely contributed towards this 
object. 

The building was begun in May, 1848. Mr. W. J. Mul- 
der was principally charged with superintending its consti'uc- 
tion. It was not completed until the year following; owing 
to various reasons, it has never been, occupied for the pur- 
pose for which it was built. It was afterwards used for a pa- 
rochial school, town-house, and Holland Academy, and at 
present as De Hope printing office. 

During the Ml of 1847, the village of Holland was platted. 
The first surveys were made by E. B. Bassett, County Sur- 
veyor or Allegan county. The administration and sale of the 
village lots was placed in charge of a board of trustees, elected 
by the people of the Volksvergadermg, of which Ds. Van 
Baa^.te was tlie head. As members of said Board, we find the 
names of J. Schrader, J. Yerhorst, J. Yan Der Yeen, O. D. 
Yan Der Sluis and B. Grootenhuis. AYe cannot go into all 
the minute details of those early real estate transactions. In 
their character they partook of tlie mutual spirit in which all the 
business of those days was transacted. Tlie price of the village 
lots was first fixed at $10 and $15, but was soon raised to $40 
and $45. This was found necessary in order to obtain funds 
for the building of churcli and school, the opening of roads, 
payments on the lands, taxes, support of the poor, salaries of 
the domine, doctor and teachers, and divers other purposes. 

In 1849, matters pertaining to these village lands, became 
quite complicated. There was a heavy indebtedness incurred, 
which had to be met — payments on the lands were due, an unpaid 
balance on that stock of goods of the "colony-store" was pre- 
sented, and many other causes of a financial character led the 
people to resolve that the village lands should revert to Ds. 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 469 

Yan "Raalte, coupled with the condition that he was to assume 
all the indebtedness incurred to date. 

The opening of roads and the building of bridges across 
creeks and swamps, was a tremendous work in those early 
days, and it occupied about one-half of the time and attention 
of the settlers. AVant of experience was a great draw-back. 

In 1847, the State made an appropriation of four liundred 
acres of land for the building of a bridge across Black River, 
commonly termed the " Grand Haven Bridge." 'No contrac- 
tors could be found to take the job, and so the colonists, as a 
body, concluded to take the job themselves. How this was 
done, and in what manner the work was regulated, will be seen 
from the proceedings of the Yolksvergadermg. The work was 
begun in the winter of 1848; but towards the last the work 
began to drag, when Ds. Yan Raalte and J. Binnekant took the 
job of finishing it. In the building of this bridge, Hon. F. J. 
Littlejohn, of Allegan, represented the State. 

The 2:)Ost-office was established in 1848, and named " Black 
River." Mr. H. D. Post was appointed postmaster. The 
first mail was a private route from Manlius, the nearest post- 
office, and was brought in once a Aveek. Mr. AVilliam Netting 
was mail-carrier, and brought it on his back to his house, wlien 
his wife would carry it to town. Yery soon routes were estab- 
lished to Allegan, Grand Rapids and Grand Plaven. The first 
regular mail-carriers and stage-drivers were J. Trimpe, Jan 
van Dijk, P. F. Planstiehl and G. J. Haverkate. 

The present cemetery was laid out, or rather designated as 
such, in 1848. Nevertheless, owing to the distances, and for 
want of roads and suitable burial arrangements, during the 
years 1847-1848 many were buried in other localities, as neces- 
sity dictated. Besides those buried on Yan der Haar's farm, 
many were laid at the head of the lake between 3d and 4th 
streets, where the old man De Witt lived, who was the first sex- 
ton. A few are buried at Point Superior. Several were buried 
at the mouth of Black Lake, on the hills north of the present 
harbor. The winds, however, so shifted those hills that years 
ago these cofifins became exposed, scattering the remains along 
the beach. • 



470 JUiMOEIALS OF THE 

Much that is interesting is centered around the iirst attempts 
at manulacturing by the colonists; also in their harbor, the 
improvement of which they considered as of primary interest. 
The organization of the Iirst churches and their formal joining 
with the " Reformed " denomination, the opening of schools, 
the Holland Academy and Hope College, the history of town- 
ship and city government, the proceedings of the Yollisverga- 
derlng, the settlement of Zeeland and surrounding townships, 
the early history of Point Superior and of the Indian settle- 
ments, the development of our commerce and sliipping inter- 
ests, and many other points of local interest, each constituting 
its part of the history of this city and colony, will all be touched 
in separate chapters. 

What we wish to call the attention to now, as a sort of a key 
to the past, is the great extent to which the colonists combined 
all their interests — religious, educational, political and social — 
into one, and placed them under one supervision; and how to 
that same extent the church and its religious interests was 
secondary to none, but, if anything, was made to underlie the 
entire net-work of their existence. 

Finally, as we dismiss from our minds the local events of 
those memorable years 1847 and 1848, let it be in the words 
of him to whom we have "endeavored to do honor as the founder 
of this Holland Colony: 

"And the sweet fruition of independence and full liberty 
which we so bountifully enjoyed, gave joy and strength to our 
hearts. Especially was it the pleasure of the Sabbath, the in- 
vigorating power of God's truth, the united prayer and associ- 
ated labor of many neigliboring settlements, which gave enjoy- 
ments, support and courage, and caused us to persevere in a 
great and difficult undertaking. God's temporal deliverances 
were many; each settlement and each family has a history of 
its own." 

ADDITIONAL. 

It is due to Mr. Van Schelven to say that what is here pub- 
lished as his, is a selection from bis manuscripts, necessarily 
brought within certain bounds. From other sources, we gather 
what follows: 



GRAND EIVEE VALLEY. 471 

Dnring the first years of trial, tlie colonists were held together 
by their strong religious sympathy. Yan Raalte was tlieir 
leader, spiritual and temporal. His preaching nerved them 
to do and endure. In IS-iS, they erected a church. The same 
year, Oswald Vanderhnis, a Hollander with property, pnt up 
a saw-mill at the head of the lake. xYbout the same time, 
Win. Flietstra erected the famous windmill to carry a gang of 
saws. The fault with that M^as, it would not go; and it caused 
the Hollanders to he very much laughed at. In Yanderhuis' 
mill, stones were put for grinding. Also a grist-mill was built 
between Holland and Zeeland. 

During the iii'st years, the troubles and trials were those 
depicted in speaking of the Zeeland coloay. To particularize 
would be only repetition. During this time the colonists were 
imder the highest obligations to Alfred Plugger, a noble-souled 
Hollander, who, having money, resigned his all in helping 
those in need; lending to the poor, to be repaid when they could ; 
heloing them to secure and improve their ftirms. He lived to 
realize the truth of the promise implied in the Scripture, often 
quoted by him, " Cast thy bread upon the waters," etc. He 
lost nothing by it; but found his property all repaid to him; 
and he died Nov. 1st, ISGI, with the love and benedictions of 
all. 

In 1S47, the settlement in uSTorth Holland was begun. Yan 
Tiaalte told William Tongerin he had learned from the Indians 
that good land laj at the north, and that he had better go and 
look. He, with Jan Yan Dyke, followed an Indian trail about 
five miles, found as represented, returned, and rejiorted. In 
the winter of 1849-50, Jan Yantongeren, Gerrett Yan Dyke, 
his sons — Jan, Jacob, Albert and Otto — and his two daughters 
— all unmarried; Coenrad Smidt and family — Jan, Peter, 
Ooenrad, William and Arent; Jan Stag, Sr., and Cars Weener 
came in, and put up log houses. They brought in one stove, 
four men dra,wing it on a hand-sled. They took up govern- 
ment land. The next year, Jan Spykerman and Jan Yeldheer 
followed. They cut a road to Holland the first winter. 

Enough were together to form a little community by them- 
selves. They established public worship, held meetings in 



472 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

private lionses and barns — anywhere. Thej met for devotion, 
not display. The first church building was a small frame 
structure, now part of the parsonage. In the fall of 1856 they 
had their first school, with Herman Gi'ebel as the teacher. 
He now lives in Grand liapids. 

Arent Smith says he first came through with a team from 
Holland. It took two days. The first night he left the wagon 
stuck in the mud, and returned. 

In 18G0, the first church was built. The church had been 
organized in 1851. The first jDastor was the Kev. E. C. Oggel, 
who assumed charge in 1866. He left in 1869, and was suc- 
ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. B. Yan ISTess, March, 1870. 
Then the number of families was 80. At present (1875) the 
number is 120. 

On the whole, the settlement was a success; the land was 
good, and thrift has rewarded labor. 

HOLLAND FIRE. 

• At the same time that Chicago was in flames, the little city 
of Holland was made a desolation by the fire fiend. The night 
of terror, October 8-9th, 1871, left three-fourths of the people 
without houses — all went — swept by the besom of destruction. 
The season had been remarkably without rain, everything 
was dry, the swamps without water, and fires were in the woods 
in all ])arts of Michigan and Wisconsin. A territory in Micli- 
igan larger than the State of Massachusetts was burned over; 
viUages and houses were consumed. The gloom of night hung 
over all. The smoke of burning Chicago, and the fires in the 
villages and woods, filled the air with almost snfiV.cating 
smoke. For some days a fire had been in a swamp a few miles 
from Holland. It was slowly approaching the city. Between 
it and the city was a piece of woods where the stand must be 
taken; for if it passed the woods, it came to a slashing, and 
the doom of the city was inevitable, as the wind Avas towards 
it. Sunday, the 8th, there was a rallying to meet the fire in 
the woods, and everything promised success. But t(^o few 
realized the real danger. At the critical time some men deserted 
their post, and the fire got over — got into the slashings, and 
from that in a few minutes into the city. 



GKAND KIVER VALLEY. 473 

The wind was high, and the fire leaped from one building 
to another; the air was filled with the burning boards and 
shingles, giving a perfect rain of fire. To escape with life 
was all that could be hoped for. Few saved any of their goods 
or animals, and many nothing but their night clothing. An 
hour did the work, and what a desolation did the morning 
exhibit! Houseless, homeless, half-uahed, the people were 
contemplating the scene, stupified by the appalling desolation. 

Two persons lost their lives — one an old woman in the fire, 
the other a young woman in consequence of it. 

But did the Hollanders despair? The same spirit that built 
it at the first, rebuilt it. A Hollander does not die until death 
calls for him. The city is now regenerated — "improved," 
they say, by the fire. 

FAILURES. 

Two cities were laid out on the north side of the lake — the 
one in earnest, the other on paper. 

A company of Eastern capitalists, called the Black River 
Company, with Capt. Macy at the head, in 1835, commenced 
in earnest to found a city on the north shore of Black Lake, at 
the spot now known as the Hope College Lands. They laid 
out a town and called it " Superior." They began work in 
earnest; made a road to Grand Haven, and another to the 
mouth of the Kalamazoo liiver; put up a steann mill; had a 
ship-yard, and made other improvements. They built a schoon- 
er, and Henry Knox put up a tannery. There a son was born 
to James C, Hale — the first white birth in the region of Black 
Lake, 

Capt, Macy was killed at Kalamazoo, and the soul of Supe- 
rior having departed, the town collapsed and died. The ma- 
chinery was taken out of the mill, the residents dej^arted, and 
Superior became a matter of recollection only. 

This much may be said: the site was well chosen, and the 
enterprise ought to have succeeded. 

What Yankees with capital and brains failed to do, the 
Dutchmen, without capital and without the credit of an over- 
plus of the other article, accom])lished on the other side of the 
lake a few years after, Religious unity and plodding perse- 
verapce did what talent and capital failed to do. * 



474 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The otlier "city " deserves but a passing mention. It was 
laid out on tlie north side, at the mouth, and called Ports- 
mouth. Nothing was done to develop it. 

THE CITY. 

HoUand was organized as a city in 1867, with Dr. Bernardus 
Leedboer as Mayor, and H. D. Post, Pecorder. Second Mayor, 
Isaac Cappen; third, Edward I. Harrington; fourth, Isaac 
Oappen; fifth, John Vanlandigham . Tlie first Marshal was 
Tennis Kejipel. 

MANUFACTORIES. 

Plow factory, agriculfcural implements, planing' mill, sash and blind, 
email carriage shops, stave factory and flour barrels — a large concern; 
two large tanneries. 

THE ESTABLISHMENT OP CAPON & BERTSCH's LEATHER COMPANY. 

It commenced operation in 1857 on small scale. At the time of the fire 
its capacity was 15,000 hides. It now employs fifty men; uses 33,000 hides, 
and 3,000 cords of bark annually; and makes all kinds of leather. 

Smith's Tannery, across the bay; employs twenty-five men; caiDacity, 20,- 
000 hides. At this establishment finishing' is not done. 

NEWSPAPERS AT HOLLAND. 
DE HOPE. 
This is a religious paper, in the interest of the Reformed Church; piinted 
in the Holland language; and is the organ of that church. It was established 
in 1866 by the council of Hope College; at first edited by Prof. P. G. Oggell ; 
now by an editorial committee, with Prof. C. Doesburg as managing editor. 
Its circulation is about 2,000. 

THE HOLLANDER. 

The publication of this paper was began in the fall of 1S50. H. D. Post 
was editor of the English part, and G. Vander Wall of the Dutch. It was 
published by Hawkes and Bassett. In 1851, Hermanns Doesburg- bought the 
■office and the paper was edited by Doesburg and Vander Wall. Two years 
aiterward Doesburg became sole editor; Vander Wall left, went to Kalama- 
zoo, and published the " Nederlander''; aiterwards finished his studies at 
Brunswick College, became a preacher and Professor in Hope College. He 
is now a preacher in South Africa. He is a man of talent. 

Mr. Doesburg stiU continues proprietor of the paper. It is edited by 
Wm. Benjaminse. 

HOLLAND CITY NEWS. 

Started in the spring of 1872. by Dr. S. L. Morris, as editor and proprietor, 
who run it for a year as a Republican paper. It then fell into the hands of 
\ an Schelven, who has kept it up as independent Circulation, 600. 



GBAND EIVEK VAJLLEY. 



475 



DE GRONDWEET (DUTCH). 

Established in 1859. by Roost & Hoog-esteg-er. Republican in politics. 
Circulation, 1,500. Now published by Hoog-esteger & Mulder. 

The Ottawa Register was published five years by H. D. Post. " De Wach- 
tf^r" was begun at Holland, and removed to Grand Rapids. " De Paai'l " 
also had a transient existence at Holland. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first class was organized in 1866. The full list of the members cannot 
be given, as the records were destroyed by the fii-e that burned up the city. 
The names of some of them were: 

Isaac Fairbanks. John Roost. John Bakker, Jacob Flieman, Francis Hall, 
Martin Clark, James L. Fairbanks, Robert Symonds, Andrew Anderson and 
Richard K. Heald. 

The persons most prominent in starting the church were Michael J. Clap- 
pen, Isaac Fairbanks and Richard K. Heald. 

Three churches have been built. First, about the year 1868: size 22 by 30, 
cost about $700. Second, in 1871; size 33 by 60; cost $1,500; was not com- 
pleted when destroyed by the fire in 1871. Third, built in 1872; size 33 by 
70, cost $2,200; now used. 

The pastors have been: 1st, Rev. P. Gilbert; 2d, Daniel S. Bacon; 3d, G. 
E. HoUister; 4th, J. R. Wilkinson, 5th, Wm. A. Bronson; 6th, B. F. Dough- 
ty; 7th, Francis Glass; 8th, Wm. M. Coplin. 

Present number about 60. Congregation from 50 to 100. 

EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Organized in the fall of 1867, with very few communicants. Those who 
originated it are M. D. Howard and Heber Walsh. 

The first Episcopal services at Holland were by the Rev. Robert Wood, 
who in 1866 officiated twice, and baptized eight or ten persons, part of them 
adults. Occasional services were held until 1868 by J. R. Taylor, in the 
school-house built by American )-esidents. This building- became the prop- 
erty of the church at the time of its organization. It was destroyed in the 
great five. 

In 1868, Mr. Taylor was called from Gi-and Haven. He remained pastor 
until 1874, when he resigned, and went to New York. After a year, Mr. 
Taylor returned, and still remains. 

New church buUt in 1872; cost $5,500. Communicants, 26; congrega- 
tion, 75. 

HOPE COLLEGE. 

The incipient movement -which has resulted in the establishment of this col- 
lege, was the starting of a Latin class in the -oublic school at Holland, then 
under the chai'ge of Walter T. Taylor. At the same time there was a man- 
ifest desire on the part of the Dutch Reformed church at the East to bring 
about close relations with the Holland emigrants, and to found an academic 
school at the West, which should be a feeder of Rutgers' College. Prof. 
Taylor began the classical department of the pubiicscliool. Tiiis school was 
developed, in 1855, into what became known as the Holland Academy. In 



476 MEMORIALS OF THE 

1862. the first Freshman class of the new college was formed out of the 
Academy. Previous to that the students had gone to Rutgers' College. The 
General Synod, in I860, approved the collegiate department and appointed 
a board of superintendents. In 1865, the four classes were complete. The 
college was incorporated May 14th, 1866; the first president inaugurated on 
the 14th of the following July. The first class graduated the 17th of the 
same month. 

Resuming — Professor Taylor resigned his position in the prehminary school 
in 1854, and was temporarily followed by Rev. F. P. Bidder. The Academy 
was, in 1855, placed under the charge of Rev. John Van Vleck, who, in 1859, 
was succeeded by Rev. Philip Phelps, Jr. Assisting them were Abraham 
Thompson, A. B., and Giles Vander Wall, A. M. The catalogue of the 
graduates from t le Academy, 1857-62, inclusive, shows that 25 became 
clergymen, being a great majority of the whole. 

In 1859, the principal building was erected; five acres were given by Ds. 
Van Raalte, and 11 more purchased. The premises are owned by the 
General Synod. 

Hope College, as now developed, consists of three schools — an academy 
and general school, the college, and the theological school, each with its 
particular head or president. Over the whole Philip Phelps, D.D., is presi- 
dent. The classes in the college and theological departments are still small. 
The patrons of the institution gave it the name of "Hope," i-ealizing that 
for a long time it must be a creature of hope, rather than a present reality, 
Ifc is their hope to develop it into " Hope Haven University." This idea is 
dear to the church, under which it arose, and '"Dutch perseverance" is 
proverbial. 

The ibllowing is a list of teachers. The star denotes that they are now 
dead: 

PIONEER SCHOOL. 

Walter T. Taylor,* 1851-4. 
Rev. F. P. Bidder, pro tern, 1854-5. 

Assistants— Hugh W. Taylor, 1851-4; Miss Margaret W. Taylor,* 1851-2; 
Miss Anna B. Taylor, 1851-4. 

HOLLAND ACADEMY. 

Rev. John Van Vleek, A. M.* 1855-9. 
Rev. Philip Phelps, Jr. 1859-62. 
Professors : 

Abraham Thompson. A. B. 1857-8. 
Rev. Giles Vander Wall, A.M., 1858-61. 

HOPE COLLEGE. 

Rev. Philip Phelps, Jr., D. D. Since 1862. 
Rev. Peter Oggdl, A. M.* 1865-9. 
Rev. T. Romeyn Beck, A. M. Since 1863. 
Rev. I. M. Ferris, D. D. 1864-5. 
Rev. Charles Scott. D. D. Since 1866. 
Rev. Cornelius Crispel, D. D. Since 1866. 



(iEAND KIVER VALLEY. 47T 

Cornelius Doesburg, A. M. Siace 1866, 

William A. Shields, A. M. Since 1867. 

Rev. Abel Stewart, D. D. 1870-3. 

Rev. Peter Moerdyk, A. M. 1871-3. 

Rev. Gan-itt 1. Kollen, A. M. Since 1871. 

Rev. Henry Uitenvigh, A. M. 1874-5. 

The college is the chief attraction in the scenery of Holland. Though an 
inftint institution, it is enshrined in the hearts of the people, for whom it was 
intended; and we cannot but wish it God speed. What is here given is con- 
densed from the circular of Hope College, issued in 1876. In that is a full 
expose of its history, trials and present status. To that the particular friends 
of the institution will look for more full information. 

ODD FELLOWS. 
UKITT LODGE, NO. 119, I. O. OF O. F. 

Organized Feb. 14th, 1866. The constituent members were — Geo. Lander, 
Geo. G. Stickcitee, 0. Breyman, J, A. Grey, J. 0. Doesburg, G. Nilson 
Smith, G. Van Schelven, Wm. L. Hopkins, I. Myrick, Wm. K. Jocelyn 
and B. R. Piatt. 

Lander was Master. Present number, 67. Fom* deaths have occurred. 

The lodge has prospered in the face of very strong opposition, the relig- 
ious prejudices of the people of Holland being strong against secret societies. 

HOLLAND CITY LODGE, 192, I. O. OF O. F. 

In the summer of 1871, there were three brothers of the Scarlet Degree 
residing in Holland, viz: A. J. Clark, S. F. Morris and M. Harrington. 
They determined to have a Lodge. They called a meeting of all Odd Fel- 
lows, and found several more. However, the great fire rendered starting a 
Lodge at that time impracticable. 

Afterwards, in the winter of 1872, a charter was obtained, and the Lodge 
instituted. 

First officers: S. T. Morris, N. G.; A. J. Clark, V. G.; M. Harrington, R. 
S.; I. Bramer, K.; C. Vanlandegand, C.; R. K. Heald, W. Present num- 
ber, 33. 

The Lodge has had to contend with much opposition. 

ZEELAND. 

The settlement of Zeeland was due to the dissatigfaction of 
certain Hollanders witli the laws of IlolUmd concerning reli- 
gions v.orship. Although the heart of Holland, or its higher 
intellect, is inclined to rationalism, or unbelief, the common 
])Cop]e are most fuUj imbued with the religious idea; and 
rank amongst the most truly religious. They are very scru- 
pulous in their religious observances, and tenacious of their 
creed. With them their religion is the one great thing; and 
to interfere with the free exercise of their observances, is the 



4:78 MEMORIALS OF THE 

greatest indignity — they cannot brook it. The people who 
constituted the Holland and Zeeland settlements were of this 
kind — people conscientiously religious, and willing, for reli- 
gion, to leave their country, and to endure the hardships inci- 
dent to a new settlement, to living among those speaking 
another language, to subduing the land and forcing from it a 
living. 

Thej were buoyed by the hope tliat, after a few years of 
trial and labor, they might establish a colony — a fraternal, God^ 
fearing community, which should center itself around the 
church. They contemplated a theocratic community, of which 
God should be ruler supreme, and the church its visible center. 

With these feelings they left Holland, and settled themselves 
at Zeeland. 

They were in a strange country. All was different from the 
land they left. They had been accustomed to the open field ; 
here all was wood. To combat witlr that wood — to clear the 
ground — was labor entirely new. No one of them knew how 
to use that pioneer tool, the ax. It was sport to the Yankees 
to see the Dutchmen cut down a tree. By hacking all around 
they would iinally get it down. Their cutting was more like 
beavers' work than the work of woodmen. 

But with all tlieir lack of skill, they went to work to clear 
the land, in winter; piling and burning brush on the snow. 
The amount of labor they put forth to clear a small piece of 
land almost exceeds belief. To learn to chop was the one great 
thincr. Van Tlaalte gave them the solenni warnino- — " JToii 
mvM learn to chop^ or dieP 

In the general settlement, settlers come straggling in, and 
each new comer is aided in the start by those who have got a 
footing. Again, the woodland settler understands his ax, and 
is prepared to dispute possession with the forest. Not so with 
these Hollanders. A community of them sat down in the 
woods together. All had their shelter to secure; all were to 
beo-in too-ether, and all were unskilled in woodland labor. It 
is no wonder they suffered; it is no wonder that many, dis- 
couraged, dispersed themselves among the other people, and 
sought employment that was immediately remunerative. They 



GEAlrt> UVTEU VALLEY. 



479 



went to Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and all other places 
where work could be found. The girls sought employment in 
the houses, and soon were found to be the best and most trusts 
servants. 

The sawing of wood was soon monopolized by the men, as 
also the loading and unloading of vessels at the wharves. The 
Dutchman becam_e a digger on the railroads. He worked for 
small wages for the farmer, for his lack of skill made him at 
tirst but poor help. In all these ways they were living, and 
learning to live, in America. 

One thing was soon proverbial — if a Dntchman got hold of 
a dollar, no one got the whole of it away from him; and that 
with which he parted, was compelled to do full service. It 
was a mystery how a Dutchman, earning seventy-five cents a 
day, would contrive to support a family, and in two or three 
years, have a house and lot of his own; yet it was notorious 
they did. True, lots in Grand Haven and Grand Rapids then 
were cheap — could be bought for from S25 to $50 ; but hoto from 
their sc.inty earnings, before they had acquired the skill and 
wages of American laborers, was a mystery. ^Nevertheless, 
the number of Dutchmen were few who in four years did not 
live in their own houses; and houses, too, earned since they 
came to America. It was no mystery to the Dutchman, but 
the Yankee could not solve it. 

But we have digressed from Zeelancl, following those who 
did not stay, as members of the sacred colony. 

To be a little more particular, the persecution complained 
of, was what naturally arises from a State religion. Holland 
has its State religion; its preachers are commissioned by the 
State, and paid from the public revenues. Dissent is not a 
crime; neither does it involve any political or civil disabilitv. 
No man was allowed to preach without State authority, under 
penalty of one hundred guilders for every sermon so deliv- 
ered. 

A movement began in 1834, among those who were dissat- 
isfied with the dictations of the State in matters of religion. 
Seven clergymen revolted; preached independent of State, 
dictation; were dropped by the State church, and started an 



480 MEMORIALS OF THE 

independent denomination or church. Their names were H. 
Decode, H. P. Scholte, S. Van Yelzen, H. Buddenr^k, E. 

Brumelkem2'>, F. Meerbnro; and Lee.dboer. These were 

cast out in 1S35. They banded themselves, and held their 
first Synod at Amsterdam, in March, 1836. By that Synod, 
Van liaalte was ordained at that meeting. He, at the time 
of the dropping of the aforementioned clergymen, was a can- 
didate awaiting orders. He was cast out for his well-known 
sympathy with the seceders. 

The seceders began in earnest to propagate their principles. 
The result is, that at the present day they are a strong body in 
Holland. But that is little to our purpose. 

The seceders were almost at the first joined by Carnelius Van- 
der Meuler, not then a clergyman, but a man looking forward to 
that office. He made himself active in establishing seceding 
churches, and in 1839 was ordained ; became pastor of a church 
at Botterdam, and afterwards at Zeeland. 

These active propagandists were at first under severe penal- 
ties. A 100 guilders was exacted for every sermon preached. 
These fines were paid by the people. But penalties only in- 
creased their zeal, and their success. After a time the State 
relented somewhat. Upon petition, a special license was given 
to each church, with the condition that it should support itself 
and its own poor. Tliey still had to do their share in sup- 
porting the State church, and the poor of the country. This 
discrimination against them they thought oppressive. The 
spirit of many became restless. Beyond the sea they knew 
there was a land M'here religion was free. One and another, 
partly from religious discontent and partly with the hope of 
improved fortune, came to America. 

In the minds of two of the leading spirits in the move- 
ment — Messrs. Scholte and Van Baalte — there was conceived 
the idea of gathering these expatriated people into colonies, 
where, centered around the churches, should be communities 
of Hollanders, where their cherished religion should be the 
great bond of union. With them the basal idea was a theo- 
cratic community. 

With this idea, they caine to America, to select locations 



GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 481 

for tlie colonies which they wislied to establish. Yaii Raalte 
selected the location where now is the city of Hollan d, by Black 
Lake. This was in the winter 1846-7. He then, by corres- 
pondence with people in Europe and America, rallied people 
around him, who in the spring and summer of 1847 settled 
there. 

An impulse was thus given. Much was said of the Holland 
Colony, and it became a central idea. Hollanders flocked to 
Michigan. Some banded themselves under leaders, and set- 
tled in the vicinity of Holland. Others came to Grand Eapids, 
or Grand Haven, and settled there. "With all the central 
thought was the church. "Wherever they located, whether in the 
villages or in the wilderness, they banded under spiritual leaders. 

In 1847, about 400, under the spiritual leadership of the 
Eev. Mr. Yander Meuler, planted themselves in the forest at 
Zeeland. 

Another colony of 200, under the Rev. Tupena established 
themselves at Yriesland. 

South two miles from Yriesland, 150, without any one spe- 
cial head; but under the special leadership of Elders Opholt and 
"Wiggers, began the colony of Drenthe. 

Three hundred, led by the Eev. Mr. Bolks, started the colony 
of Overheisel, five miles south of Drenthe. 

Draafschap, with 300 people, was planted, with Elder 
Kierke as leader. 

These colonies were all established in the year 1847. As a 
whole combined, they were called by the world outside, the 
" Holland Settlement." 

It has been before said that religion was the central idea in 
these colonies; that each rallied around a church. 

Planted in the wilderness, their first thought was the services 
of the Sabbath; but still, in the sheltering wood they assembled 
to worship God. At Zeeland, in the fall of their first arrival, 
they erected a log house of worship; a building 26x40 feet. 
There, with rude benches for seats, they worshiped for a year. 
They then, in the fall of 1848, put up a block-house, 40x60, 
which served them until increasing wealth enabled them to 
build their present edifice. 

31 



482 MEMORIALS OF THE 

That is the way jieople do, who helieve in the religion they 
])rofess. These Hollanders believed with a simple iaith, which 
to them was reality. Their spiritual leader was the Rev. Mr. 
Vander Meuler. It was his to speak words of cheer, and in- 
spire their souls with hope. As "the sounding aisles of the 
dim woods rang with their anthems," they joined with him in 
their prayers of faith; and listened to his fatherly counsels. 

Wlien the hours to them looked dark, he showed them hril- 
liant beams of light, and sustained their fainting souls. Ah. 
Dominie Vander Menlcr, although you are now treading on the 
l)orders of the spirit land, and the monitions of age ominous 
of pa'^sing from time, your closing days are cheered by tlie 
results of the mission of your years of prime; the benedic- 
tions of thousands are on you, and your memory will not be 
lost. 

The colonists at first, as soon as they could, put up houses, 
mostly of logs; some, however, erected l)uildings of boai'ds, 
bringing them from Grand Haven by water. 

Some had money; such kindly helped the otliers in securing 
their land. Among such is prominently to be noted Mr. E. 
Yander Leuser; one of those men who feel they have a mis- 
sion — and that to help those who need lielp, and difluse happi- 
ness. There a few such in the world. He left a sjilendid iarm 
in Holland, where his mansion was always as open as his heart; 
and came to Zeeland, casting his lot with the humble class that 
formed the settlement. Coming, he brought from Holland 
seven or eight poor families with him; paid all their expenses, 
gave each twenty acres of land (to be paid for wlien they could). 
He distributed liberally to the poor; giving thousands; never 
thinking of self To sum it up, he was a man who had a big 
soul. " God bless him," they all say. He died in 1870; his 
wife in 1873. He is still alive in hearts he left behind; then, 
is it right to say he died? 

Another whole-souled man, who had some of that article, 
the love of which is called the root of all evil, was Mr. G. Van 
Hees, who bought 800 acres of land in his own name, and sold 
it in small farms to those who could not otherwise buy, giving 
them time at 7 per cent. He had the satisfaction of seeing all 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 48 

but one become full owner.-. He also bonglit cattle and dis- 
tributed them, and got his pay. It would l)e hazardous among' 
Americans to throw one's property around so h)oselv, but the 
Dutchman ^;(7y.s his debts, or at least did. It was safe to give 
credit to one, who had used his last dollar. The simple 
Jionesty of the Dutch emigrants was proverbial. If oue owed 
two cents he would surely come around and pay it. They not 
only ]iaid wliat was advanced them, but they soon began to 
liave money of their own. Dominie Yander Meuler says: 
" Some of these poor men that were thus helped to their 20 or 
40 acres of land, have piles of greenbacks so thick." (He 
put his hands full nine inches apart.) 

During the fall of IS-tT, Mr. Roberts erected a small saw- 
mill; Mr. K. Smith opened a store, and Mr. Isaac I^aayen put 
up a tavern. They had also this fall erected comfortable 
liouses, and, as said before, a church. They sought work, and 
obtained it where they conld^at Kalamazoo, Grand Haven 
and Grand Rapids. Their wages were small, as they were 
unskilled; bnt M'itli their wages, what they had left, and the 
general kindly aid they gave each other, they got through the 
the winter without suffering. Their greatest trouble was trans- 
porting- provisions and supplies from Grand Rapids. The 
winter was peculiar — the mildest ever known, absolutely 710 
snow, a good deal of rain, and no frost in the gronnd. Besides 
there was the long swamp to be crossed, and its crossing 
was terrible. Too long (15 miles) to get around, tliey mnst 
cross it. That swamp is no terror now; bnt, civilized, is the 
best land known. ITistorically, to the colonists it was a horror ; 
to-day it is full of greenbacks, instead of massasaugas and 
fathomless innd. 

The American j)eople found out that the Hollanders had 
money — the genuine gold. Of course they wanted some of it, 
and brought provisions and necessaries there to sell, and they 
always were supplied. The first winter, which is generally the 
time of trial with the jnoneer, was not such to them. But 
their little store of gold was wasting day by day; the hard 
time came after wai'ds. 

In 1848. they got in such crops as they could; corn, pota- 



4:84 MEMORIALS OF THE 

toes, beans, and garden vegetables in their scanty clearings. 
They had good crops of these. New comers brought some 
money; they earned some, and were tolerably well off — com- 
fortable and hopeful, some pinching, but no absolute want. 

The hard times were in 1849. They had increased in num- 
bers; had enlarged their clearings, and had got in wheat and 
other crops. But an unfavorable summer otherwise, and a 
mj^riad of squirrels, left them without provisions, and they 
were without money. Some money was realized by selling 
land to new comers; but on the whole they had short com- 
mons, and were at times on the verge of starvation. People 
outside were liberal; brought provisions; some two or three 
times the supj)ly seemed providential. Their -money had run 
o'lit. But the next year (1850), they had abundant crops; 
numerous persons came in who had means, and they got 
along well. 

From this time the dark days of Zeeland were over. By 
this time the men had learned to use the ax, and to clear land. 
They had enough cleared to supply them with abundance of 
food. The roads to them, though not good, were passable. 
They felt, as a general thing;, no hard times. 

Here, with some six hundred people, we drop the pioneer 
history of Zeeland. 

In 1849, Mr. Elias Young was employed by the colony as 
an English teacher. He stayed with them several years, 
making himself generally useful; was the first supervisor, jus- 
tice of the peace, etc. 

In 1848, Mr. Yander Leuser laid out eighty acres in village 
lots, and sold them to the settlers for from $6 to $10 per acre. 
This was the starting of the village. 

The prosperity of the Dutch colonies at Zeeland. Yriesland, 
etc., has been almost unexampled; and taking into considera- 
tion all the circumstances, it is a marvel; commencing with 
those whose early life had given them no apprenticeship fitting 
them for pioneer enterprises — the hund)le peasantry of Hol- 
land, having with them but few men of property or leading 
intelligence — people, poor and unskilled. Twenty-five years 
changed the wilderness into a region of noble farms and thriv- 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 485 

ing villages; and a community of poor emigrants into one 
noted for their wealth and independence. 

The basis of the whole of this unexampled prosperity is: 
their patient industry, their rigid economy, and their personal 
morality. Whether the Hollander settled himself in the 
" colony," or took up his residence in other places, the cliarac- 
ter given above was his, and the result has been the same; he 
has prospered. In Grand Rapids, Grand Haven or Kala- 
mazoo, a poor Hollander is seldom seen. They have ever 
shown themselves a temperate and moral people, not disposed 
to be leading^ but always a valuable class of citizens. Crimes 
and immoralities among them have been rare. Few have 
sought high culture, unless they had the Gospel ministry in 
view. They have taken advantage of the means for common 
education where they have located; or have provided them for 
themselves where they were the controlling people. 

They early employed English teachers. In the Holland set- 
tlement the schools have been entirely English. The result 
is, the Holland language is becoming disused. The two lan- 
guages are spoken by all, but the English is the exclusive 
language of the younger people in their intercourse wdth each 
other. 

The dream, the fond aspiration of the ardent Van Eaalte, 
has not its seconding reality. An unmixed community, an 
unity in associations and religion, centering around one har- 
monious church, has not been realized. Their own dear cher- 
ished church has been divided by a schism, which has ranged 
the Holland people in two unsym23athizing and unfraternal 
parties. They have not only the " Reformed," but the " True 
Reformed" churches. The difterences between them to out- 
siders seem trivial; but all observation on the religious world 
shows that the smaller the diiference, the greater the zeal with 
which it is maintained. 

It is notliing to the purpose of this history to point out what 
is the dift'erence between Reformed and True Reformed. The 
schism commenced in 1856 or '7, with the Rev. Mr. Klyne, 
then pastor at Grand Rapids. He was dealt with for some 
notions or practices different from the orthodox standards of 



486 MEMORIALS OF THE 

the cliiircli, and bis connection severed. He set up independ- 
ent, leading with him a portion of the people. The compara- 
tive force of the two denominations will be seen in another 
place. 

At HoHand, where Van Raalte first planted his colony, the 
Ijreach in unity is still greater. The American element has 
become predominant in a great degree. Other Ciiristian de- 
nominations have secured a strong foothold, in addition to the 
division of their own church. But Yan Eaalte's name will 
live as one whose noble zeal had noble results. 

In Zeeland, the church which was planted in the wilderness 
lias thriven under the successive pastorates of its original pas- 
tors — C. Vander Meuler, S. Bolks, and W. Moordyk. 

The True Reformed started in 1854. They have a respect- 
able church edifice, and are under tlie pastoral care of the 
Hev. Mr. Coelyuk. Preaching in the Dutch language. 

Zeeland was organized as a town, July 14, 1851, having been 
before a part of Holland. The first meeting was at the church. 
Xumber of voters, 93. Elected: 

Elias J. Young, Supervisor; Robertus M. De Bruvn, Clerk; 
Johannus C. Yan Hees, E. G. Young, Johannus Xieuman- 
dorf, Justices. This town clerk was school teacher for several 
years. 

The second meeting was April 2d, 1852. Yoted, $200 for 
repairs on roads; §20, for books, and $20, for scrapers. 

OLIVE. 

Tlie early history of Olive is particularly interesting. The 
town had a two-fold occupation — the one by the Port Sheldon 
Company, and the other at a later day. 

The history of the Port Sheldon Company is an episode in 
the settlement of Michigan, of more than usual interest. There 
was at about 1836, a mania for locating cities and villages. 
Men fancied they could see in the wilderness where these must 
arise. The points were secured; villages platted and mapped; 
and many were those who paid their money for lots in those 
paper cities. 

In 1836, a number of capitalists in Xew York and Phila- 



GEA>rD RIVER VALLEY. 4S7 

tlelphia formed a joint stock conipauy, the Port SlieMon 
(Company, with the design of founding a city on the western 
(•(>ast of Micliigan. Tiiey had abundant capital at their com- 
mand, and in good faitli set themselves earnestly to work. 

The design Was to start a city, and by developing the country 
around, give it a metropolitan character. Detroit was the cen- 
ter of trade for Eastern Michigan, and was likely to continue 
such. Chicago was but a place in embryo, and its growth and 
development problematical. It was but common saijacitv 
which foresaw that a town must arise which should be wliat 
Chicago now is. And it was sure, even if the great metrop- 
olis could not be secured to Western Michigan, that a town or 
t(jwns. of no small dimensions, must grow up at the mouths of 
tjje rivers or by the indenting bays. 

The company, having matured its design, and secured the 
necessary capital, proceeded to select a location for their city. 
They selected the mouth of Grand Itiver, but that was alreadv 
in the possession of the Grand Haven Company, who, well 
realizing that they had the pdace where the principal port must 
l»e, rejected the overtures of the Port Sheldon Companv. 
Although well aware that the Grand Haven Company had the 
desirable point, they determined, by getting the start in devel- 
o})ment, to crush out Grand Haven, and secure the ends they 
aime-d at. 

They selected for their location, the north side of Pigeon 
Lake; and in the fall of 1S37, commenced operations in earnest. 
They came on witii a vessel loaded witii provisions and stores; 
bringing their houses ready to set up, and about 40 men consist- 
ing of directors, sn]>erintendents, surveyors, engineers, etc., 
M'ith every equipment for laving out the place; and everything 
necessary for their comfort and enjoyment during the winter. 

The company had for a general superintendent, Saunders 
("■oates, who afterwards became a manufacturer of gas-works 
in New York. He was for four years editor of the Mobile 
Ilegister. He was one of tliose men who live to ditfuse hap- 
piness and to win friends. TTliile in this region, he was much 
esteemed as a gentleman. Tlie other resident superintendents 
were Alexander H. Judon and E. P. Deacon. JuJou was 



488 MEMORIALS OF THE 

last heard from m!N"ew York; Deacon died in Cuba. George 
M. Barker, well known at Grand Rapids, was with tliem as a 
surveyor. Abraham Pike, since famous as the one who first 
enunciated the subordinate position of office-holders, was witli 
them in the capacity of clerk. There were also about thirty 
agents, clerks, etc 

They proceeded to lay out a city; to survey the harbor and 
improve the entrance. An elegant map of the harbor and plat 
was engraved. A careful study of this map shows that they 
were either decidedly in earnest, or were projecting a mighty 
humbug. The latter it certainly was not intended to be, as 
subsequent events most fully demonstrated. The city was most 
carefully laid out, and makes a beautiful display on paper. 
There are 142 blocks; generally 24 lots in a block. It needs 
but one thing to make it perfect — a central park. Seven lots 
are reserved for churches; one for a fish market; two for mar- 
kets; four for a i-ailroad depot; four for a city hall, and one for 
a school-house. A railroad is laid through the city, and piers 
from Pigeon Lake to Lake Michigan. The soundings of the 
harbor are on the map, and all indicates that if there is not a 
city there, the projectors mean there shall be. 

The company laid out and made roads to Grand ville and 
Grand Haven — good roads, too, — at an expense of from five to 
ten thousand dollars. They built a light-house, and main- 
tained it at their own expense for two years. They owned a 
beautiful little yacht, the Memee (Indian for pigeon); had their 
fancy boats and boat club, who used to disport themselves in 
full regalia. They built a splendid hotel, at an expense of 
from thirty to forty thousand dolhirs; finished and furnished 
it in superb style. It was 60 by 120 feet — a hotel in the wil- 
derness, where a traveler did not come once a month! They 
built an office which cost $10,000, and a store of the same value; 
no country around to supply, and their city on paper. They 
])ut uj) a steam mill, the best in the Western country, costing 
§20,000; and erected about 15 small dwellings. 

In 1838, there were there about 300 pc*)ple, mostly in the 
employ of the company. To some of these lots were sold at a 
moderate price. Tiiese formed a community, in true frater- 



GKAND KIVER VALLEY. 489 

Tiity, and enjoyed themselves extensively. Tlie same bell that 
now calls from Biitterworth & Lowe's fonndry, in Grand Rap- 
ids, called the happy company to their luxurious dinners. 
Pike, from whom these facts are obtained, now sighs when he 
thinlvs of Port Sheldon; and it is with tearful eyes he revolyes 
in his mind the scenes of those liappy days. 

Among the company was a lawyer — Edward Badger — a man 
who liked to " rai/3 Cain " better than to study Chitty on 
Pleading. In fact, he was a fellow whose character will be un- 
derstood at once, if we say he was a "colt." He stayed there 
two years, went off, turned play-actor, and became somewhat 
distinguished. He probably did no law business among the 
denizens of Port Sheldon. For a time they had a physician — 
Dr. Scranton — who Avon hearts while he cared for human in- 
firmities. He left, went South, and was succeeded bj Dr. 
Coxe, who is now believ^ed to be in Detroit. 

The company obtained a charter for a railroad from Port 
Sarnia across the State, to Port Sheldon, and made a beginning, 
by grubbing several miles of the road. They had their railroad 
office, whose beautiful gilded sign is the memorial the writer has 
secured of the great city that was to be. It was presented by 
Mr. Pike, who, in giving the facts, confirmed them by a "sign." 

Alas! must the whole be told ! Port Sheldon is not. The 
commercial crisis that followed, and the discovery of the fact 
that the entrance to the harbor could not be kept open, oblit- 
erated the city. The compan 3^ abandoned the project; hotight 
off those that had made investments f' paidy^r their imjjrove- 
■ments, assuming to themselves all the loss; dismantled their 
mill; moved off everything inovable; abandoned the places, 
leaving Mr. Pike sole occupant and sole agent. There he lived 
several years, endeavoring to sell the land, hotel, etc., for some- 
thing. He sold the hotel and thirty lots for less than the cost 
of the paint and glass. The rest of the land has since been 
sold for the sake of the hemlock bark that was on it. The 
result of the whole is, one man is there, trying to fight starva- 
tion, by doing the work of a whole city. It is to be hoped he 
does not own much of the land thereabout; for if he does, 
the Lord pity him! 



490 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The whole scheme was a mighty hubhle. Yet, wild, roman- 
tic and visionary as it now seems, in the light of result^. 
it was one which involved an immense amount of capital; 
nud wliich was carried on with a noble comprehensiveness 
of design, worthy of crowning success. In its active life, 
and in its iaihire, the company displayed a regard for hon- 
orable principle that may well defy comparison. 

This was a beautiful folly; a wikl scheme which seems like 
the dream of a child. But who would mistrust a bubble 
was not solid, if he did not see it burst! 

A man in Xew Jersey invented an improved steam engine. 
When he had got his working model neai'ly completed, he 
invited a learned professor from Xew York to examine it. 
The professor scanned it closely, and was profuse in his 
expressions of delight. "Beautiful workmanship," " Yery 
ingenious," "Only one fault abont it." Del igli ted with the 
encomiums, the inventor inquired "AVhat is that ?" '■'■It lOOiiH 
<ji>! otherwise it is perfect," was the cheering reply. So with 
the Port Sheldon scheme. There was but one fault about it. 
Any good hydrograplier could have told them the entrance to 
the harbor could not he kejit oiKii; and of course the city 
"couldn't go." 

Pigeon Lake, which was to be the harbor, is an inlet of 
Lake Michigan, connected by a narrow strait. The influx of 
water from the land is too small to keep that strait open. If 
opened by dredging, the first storm on the lake will silt it up. 
"When the company had deuiOTistrated this fact, they wisely 
abandoned their project. Their folly was, that they did not 
prove there could be an entrance to the harbor before they in- 
curred the great expense. It is easy to see why they failed, 
but sometimes lessons of wisdom cost a great deal; and men 
are not to be re})roached for their folly when they have acted 
according to their best judgment. AYliose ways have always 
sho^vai wisdom? Not yours or mine. 

When Port Sheldon was abandoned, Olive was once more 
an abandoned wild — uninviting to the settler and entirely neg- 
lected. It M-as finally settled upon the principle that causes 
nil poor land to be 'taken. When the good land has all been 



GRAND KIVEK VALLEl'. 491 

bouglit in the region around, soniebodj will giv^e sometliing 
for the poor, and will occupy it. The land of Olive had long been 
in the market as U. S. Government land, and found no pur- 
cliasers. When land has been for a series of years in market 
it is sold at a reduced price^a mere nominal sum. Under 
the graduation act, land was taken in this town, and settle- 
ment progressed. Hemlock bark had become a thing of value, 
and a considerable portion of the town was hemlock land, 
ihit it is not necessary to speculate on the various reasons that 
induced people to come in. They came in — at a late day, to 
be sure; but they came; good, staunch men, who, taking hold 
at the right end, have n)ade for themselves homes and foj*- 
tunes; and they ask no sympathy. 

The settlement is, in a measure, identified with that of the 
south part of Robinson and Allendale, and of the llolland . 
colony. The early history of Olive places it as an off-shoot or 
expansion of the Holland settlement. It remained a part of i'Jiq 

Holland until 1857, when it was set off. 

As the settlement of the town was at a late day, and then 
only by spreading out a little, who were the first to occupy, is 
of little importance, and there is uncertainty about it. Our M 

gleanings are: 1-;[' 

Augustus ISTames, formerly from Saxony, came from Ohio 
in 1856. At that time there were no settlers in the north part 
of the town. James Eastway and his three sons — William, 
v^amuel, Alfred — and Gale Burchess, Joel M. Fellows (son-in- 
law of Eastway), and Thomas S. Finch, came at the same time. ;i||' 
Most of these had families. All were poor men. Some had 1; 
teams and a little property. The Eastways were Edwin, Elias, Ij 
and Egbert (their lather liked his "E's"). All of these per- };' 
sons, with the exception of Gale Burchess and Egbert East- T 
Avay, took land under the graduation act, paying 50 cents an j, 
acre for it. At the time time Names and the others came into ji' 
the north part of the town, there were a few Hollanders in :'[ 
the southern part. 

It is not deemed expedient to enlarge upon the early occu- 
p:ition of Olive, as it was part and parcel of the Holland 
settlement, which is more fully treated of in another place. 



^i 



492 MEMORIALS OF THE 

The town was set off from Holland, and organized April 
6tli, 1857. The first meeting was held at the house of Wm. P. 
Bakker, at Port Sheldon. Its first officers were: 

G. C.Jones, Supervisor; J. M. Fellows, Clerk; K. Warner, 
Treasurer; James B. Eastway, Warner Semple, James L. 
Fletcher, C. Smitli, Justices. 

Number of voters, 55. $100 raised for town expenses. 

It Weld a good while before the settlers leaned much on the 
soil for a support. They made shingles and carried them to 
Lamont and Eastmanville, where they got their supplies. 

They had no schools or school-houses until 1863. Then two 
were built, one of which is standing and occupied still. The 
first school in No. 2 was kept by Miss Tate, of Georgetown. 

In 1861, a great part of the town was burnt over, doing a 
good deal of damage. 

James Eastway, spoken of above as one of the first, was a 
valuable citizen ; a well-educated man; looked up to by the 
people. He moved to Pobinson, in 1860, where he died, in 
1870. 

Nature was not very liberal to Olive, but Dutch frugality 
and hard work have proved that where there is the will, man 
need not despair. A Dutchman will support a family and lav 
up money, if you will give him a chance to work. That he is 
not afraid of He will make money where that class who pride 
themselves on their smartness would be sure to see themselves 
seated on a stump, and sighing, with poverty enough and to 
spare. You don't see a poor Hollander, nor very often a rich one. 
The property they have, they worked for ; it was not got by specu- 
lations. When they have earned a dollar, they will make it 
do full service, and not part with it without full and valuable 
consideration. In time, the old stocking is full of bright, shin- 
ing dollars; and Knickerbocker and his good vrouw, too old to 
■ work, can smoke their pipes, smiling in calm content on their 
good home and numerous progeny. For you maybe assured, 
that in their prime they have devoutly sung the 127th Psalm, 
and have drank in its inspiration. They have read and de- 
voutly pondered Proverbs, xiii., 4th; and the consequences are 
independence and self-respect. Let alone a Hollander for get- 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 493 

ting a living. Bj patient perseverance the obelisks of Egypt 
were wrought out of porphyry. So patient perseverance soon 
changes the poor emigrant into a thriving farmer, or well-to- 
do shopkeeper. It don't fill poor-houses, or clothe in rags. 
"Well would it be for some of our young men, who cannot sup- 
port themselves on a $500 salary, to take a few lessons from 
the Hollanders, who, earning far less than that, have brought 
up families, laid up a snug little fortune, and own their houses, 
shops or farms; just because when they got money they knew 
how to keep it. Thirty cents a day for cigars! Twenty for 
whisky! Young man, your mother did not receive a prize 
tlie day you was born. Go to the Dutchman, thou spendthrift, 
and learn the secret of human thrift. Proverbs vi., 6. 

The part of Olive, now Port Sheldon, is one of the great 
" Pigeon Roosts" of Michigan. These birds are to the last 
degree gregarious; in countless millions occupying the same 
region in the breeding season. Their numbers at these roosts 
defy competition; loading the trees with their nests, darkening 
the air in their flight, and drowning all other sounds in the con- 
fused din of the coming and going flocks. Their feeding grounds 
may be 100 miles away. At all times, day and night, flocks are 
going and coming, the size of which staggers belief About 
1870, the writer was in Grand Haven, and witnessed the return 
of a flock. It could not have been less than 100 miles in length 
— a continued uninterrupted stream of life, which was two 
and a half hours in passing. 

The feeding of pigeons is systematic. A flock alights in a 
field or wood, and then each pigeon examines the little space 
around it, and ha\ ing exhausted it, flies forward, alights just 
in front. At first sight all would appear to be on the wing, 
so constant is the rising and alighting in advance. There is 
nothing left when they have done their work. 

The killing of pigeons has been an extensive business at 
Olive. They are sent by the car-load to New York and other 
places. 

The pigeon is a queer bird. It hatches one brood, and tlien 
always keeps an egg in the nest for tlie young ones to hatch ; 
this is kept up during the whole summer. Thus brood after 



•494 . MElsrORTALS OF TIIK 

brood is filling up the flocks decimated by man and all tlic 
predaceons birds. Defenseless, their existence is in their 
fecundity. As to whether they are a nuisance or not, opinion 
is divided; but certainly they are an interesting feature of 
Olive. 

ROBINSON. 

This town takes its name from its first settlers. It is else- 
where noted in this book, that a large number of the relatives 
of Rix Robinson came into the Grand River region in 1835. 
Six brothers— Kathan, John, Rodney, Edward, Lncus, and Ira 
• — came in the vessel, "St. Joseph," from Detroit to Grand 
Haven. They, aided by the judgment of their brother, had 
fome to the conclusion that tliis Valley was the place to build 
a fortune. So, with their wives and children, 42 in number, 
they came on together 

Four of the brothers— Rodney, Taicus, John and Ira located 
in this town. About three years afterwards, Rodney and 
Lucus removed to Flat River, leaving the other two. 

Tliey took up land in the fall of 1835. They raised a few 
potatoes the next season; but spent most of tJieir time lum- 
bering. Like most of the operators in lumber at the time, 
they failed to make money by it. Tlie fact is very notice- 
able, that lumber was mannfiictured before i^ was demanded; 
and in quantit}- in excess of the demand. Tlicrefore it was a 
poor business. The person who reads this history, or one who 
in any way fiimiliarizes himself with the doings in earlj^ times, 
will be surprised at the calculations that were based on pine — 
at the investment in mills, in advance of the real prospect 
in sales. Probably ten dollars were lost on mills and lumber, 
where one was gained. It seems that there was a kind of mania 
for saw-mills. Instead of putting up the cheap concerns that 
were really needed, exjxiusive mills were erected; and failed to 
i-emunerate, of course. 

As an instance of early times lumbering, the first winter 
Ira Robinson cut with an ax, and put by the river, 91)0 logs 
which had been contracted to the Grand Haven Company, at 
50 cents a log. The Company did not buy them. They lay 



GRAND mVER VALLtY. 495 

by the river several years; and were then sold for a barrel 
of pork and two barrels of flour I Tiobinson found that getting 
rich bv cutting logs was rather doubtful. 

The growth of the town was slow; most of the land was 
owned by non-residents; bought on account of its pine. The 
town had little to attract those who were seeking places for 
farms. JSTo settler in his senses wonld choose his location in a 
forest of pine. That pine will not then find a sale; the labor 
of clearing is immense; and then the stumps! Time rolls on; 
the openings and tind)ered lands have invited occupation; a 
demand has arisen for lumber; it has been cut and carried 
from the land. It is now easy to be cleared. The filling u]i 
of the region has given a value to the land; and the process 
of turning pine land into farms is going on. The stump 
' machine' is civilizing the land in Robinson. 

As said before, the occupation by settlers was slow. Tlie 
town was not oro-anized until 1856. The first meetino; was at 
the house of Ira Robinson, when eighteen voters were present. 

Its first officers were: John W. Barnard, Supervisor; Edward 
G. Robinson. Clerk; WillardFurgerson, Treasurer; Jonathan 
Hazard, A\^m. TI, Wood, Alfred Robinson, Fred. T, Ranney, 
Justices. 

The settlers who came soon after the Robinsons, were: Wm, 
F. AVood, Jared and Harrison Conner, Alva Trumbull, James 

Black, Joseph Lemon, Dexter Ranney and Hartenburg 

— all Mnthin three or four years. 

It will be perceived that the town was not organized until 
twenty-one years after its first occupation. The number of its 
inhabitants at the time we have no means of ascertaining. The 
small vote at the first meeting has been given. In 1857, tlic 
vote was thirty-six. The first census, that of 1860, showed 
one hundred and twenty-eight. Four years after it was one 
hundred and twenty-six. So it seems that as late as 1864, there 
M'as but a very partial occupancy. In 1870, there were fom* 
hundred and six; showing cpiite an increase. This is in har- 
mony with the experience of other pine townships. Peo])le 
began to see that a good use could be made of this land, and 
went to work to subdue it. At present the population is over 
five hundred. v 



496 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

There is in the town, tlie little village of Robinson, where 
Mr. Eastman lias a mill. Around the mill some otlier busi- 
ness has clustered. Tliere are two stores and a church. 

As a matter of course, the town has but little history, other 
than its lumbering operations — all of which went to enrich or 
impoverisli, as the case might be, the residents of other places. 
Robinson had to begin its history, and its development after 
it had been sacked and its primitive resources exhausted by 
others. 

Its few pioneers were in during the time that tried the souls 
and the endurance of men. They suffered during the often 
mentioned " starvation winter," when $20 was the price for a 
barrel of flour, and $50 for a barrel of pork ; and when, for the 
last, $100 was refused. Mr. Robinson paid $20 at Grand Rap- 
ids for a barrel of flour, and drew it home on a hand-sled. 
During that winter a team with flour got stuck by Bass River, 
and they were obliged to leave it. The people, recognizing 
the rights of dread necessity, took forcible possession — not as 
robbers, but as citizens, facing the responsibility of their deed. 
It was carefully weighed out to the needy, and charged to those 
receiving it. The whole was afterwards paid for. Before cen- 
suring, reflect on the great principle that necessity kn(;ws no 
law. If your children must starve, or you commit a trespass, 
how would you act? Those with a full stomach can moralize 
on frhiciples and rights^ but it is hard to be a saint or moral- 
ist when hunger is gnawing the vitals. "Lead us not into 
temptation," is about equivalent to " Don't let us be hungry." 

Situated as the town is, it is easy to see what it will be. But 
at present it has the air of newness, and it is but imperfectly 
developed. Its beautiful river prospects will be appreciated. 
It bides its time. 

GEORGETOWN. 

Georgetown, consisting of four townships — 5 and 6 N., Rs. 
13 and 14 W., — was authorized by the Legislature to organize 
as a town in 1839. But it seems that they failed to orgaTiize; 
for we And that, in 1840, the Legislature enacted that George- 
town is attached to Ottawa, if she does not organize. 



GEAND KIYER VALLEY. 497 

At first, almost every year witnessed some cliang© in the 
limits of the town. These may be traced hy reference to the 
summary of the legislative history, given in another place. 
First limits are understood to be temporary arrangements. By 
simple reference to the map, it will be seen that many surveyed 
townships are divided by the river; and that tlie towns border- 
ing on the riv^er are composed of fractions of townships. 

Georgetown, in its settlement, may be considered an exten- 
sion of Grand ville;' and measurably, at the present time, they 
are identified; as the two villages — Grandville, in Wyoming, 
and Jennisonville, in Georgetown — are scarcely anything but 
divisions of the same village, for many years constituting one 
school district. They are one settlement, with simply the mis- 
fortune of being in two towns and in two counties. The his- 
tory of Grandville is given in its proper place, and in giving 
it, there was no intentional separation of it from its neighbor, 
Georgetown. A town line near Grandville was not observed. 
iS'ow, stepping over that line, and eliminating Georgetown 
from the Grandville settlement, we note that the first settler 
was an old bachelor, Lorenzo French, who located in 1835. 

The first family was that of Lemuel Jennison, who came on 
with his wife and four children, the same year. Jennison, Sr., 
lived but a short time, being killed by a tree in 1837. His 
wife died in 1840. The family, at the present writing (1875), 
are still all living. Altha, formerly Mrs. Bliss, now Mrs. 
Johnson, is near Jennisonville; Betsy, as Mrs. B. S. Hanchett, 
is at Grand Rapids; and the brothers — Hiram and Luman — 
whose business has ever been, and is, the center and founda- 
tion of Jennisonville, are still in the town, and carrying on 
business at the village, that bears their name. 

The early history of Georgetown is about all of lumbering 
operations. The principal operators were the Jennisons. 
Jolm Haire, Galen Eastman and the Messrs. Weatherwax. 
Haire commenced in 1851; built a steam mill in 1856. 
But little was done in the further part of the town, except 
stealing the lumber. The land, considered worthless for set- 
tlement, Avas sold in large tracts for the pine that was on it. 
It was a late idea that the land was valuable. When stripped 

32 



498 MKMORIALS OF THE 

of its pine, it was a public coiiiinon, resorted to in the season 
for l)lackberries. Then Georgetown was alive with those who 
came from Grand Eapids and other places, to pick the deli- 
cious fruit. As the blackberry pickers began to see log houses 
going up in the blackberry region, they jjitied the persons who 
condemned themselves to perpetiial poverty. But the next 
year showed heavy crops of corn, where it was supposed only 
blackberries would flourish. And soon were visible the fine 
fields of wheat and clover. Opening their eyes, and raising 
their hands, the exclamation was: ""Well, who w^ould have 
thought it!" 

Mr. ITaire w^as one of the first to develop the land. He 
built the first large honse and pulled the first stumps in 1855. 
Having fixed upon a beautifnl location, his ambition was to 
have a model farm. It is now not a little interesting to see 
what work can do, and to witness the philoso])hical coolness of 
those who have grappled with the diflficulties, despised and 
overcome them. A ride through the town is interesting. The 
virgin forest has mostly disappeared. A tract will be passed 
where the valueless pine is standing, blackened by the fires; 
the ground covered with what was left after the logs had been 
taken away — a j^icture of poverty and desert desolation. Soon 
we come to a field enclosed, and in crops among the stumps. 
(3n the other side of the road stands a " stump machine; " and 
there, half covering the ground, are the extracted stumps, in 
all their hateful ugliness. A little further along the road some 
men are at work drawing these stumps to the side of the fields, 
and arranging them in a hideous row; and the complacent 
owner is standing near, with his hands in his pockets, serenely 
contemplating the scene, and soliloquizing after this fash- 
ion: -"There's a fence made for all time! None of your 
flimsy board concerns that an ox of any spirit would walk 
right through, and that cost as much as my stump fence. 
]N(me of you rotting rail fences to be forever repaired, and 
that must be rebuilt in fifteen years. Ko, thank God, I liave 
stumiis on my farm, enough to fence it; and fenced, it is done 
for all time; and my fields and cattle ai'e safe. Let them turn 
u]) their noses, if they please, at its lack of beautj^, just as they 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 499 

flo at my wife — say she is homely. Lord! don't I know her 
worth? I wouldn't swap her, homely as she is, for a dozen of 
your delicate, fancy wives. No! no! give me the substantial 
and enduring. Give me a good stump fence!" 

That old fellow is not so green after all. The real value of 
these pine lands is just beginning to be realized, and the owners 
of them ask no commiseration. 

Above it is said that the first operations were in the line of 
lumber. There was for a long time but a very sparse popula- 
tion. In 1845, we find but 133 persons in the large teri-itory 
then called Georgetown. In 1650, 196, which would suffi- 
ciently show that people were in no haste to establish homes 
in that place. 

There is little credit in being among the early settlers. It 
was not to go into distant wilds. Civilization had already a 
strong hold in the Yalley, and tlie river gave easy coiu muni - 
cation. 

In 1843, we find the Jennisons, Freeman Burton, Charles 
Corey, Mr, E. F. Bosworth, and Stephen Lowing, There 
were at that time two houses at Jennisonville, Mr. Low^ing 
had a mature family, who have made their mark as prominent 
citizens in Ottawa county. Lumber brought Lowing. 

Soon after 1843, came Seymour Cunningham, Francis Spear. 
Booth Perry, Jonathan Scott (father of Sheriff Scott), and 
Andrew Bowles. There is little use in further giving names, 
for reasons given above. 

The first school was No. 1 on Sec, 8, It was organized Sept., 
1845; a frame house built at an expense of $112. Miss Ann 
Evarts (at present Mrs. Angell, of Grand Ilav^en,) was the first 
teacher. The second school was organized about the same 
time, and was taught by Miss Bemis (now Mrs. Avery Brit- 
tain, of Grandville). 

In 1838, Geo. Ketchum built the first mills at Jennisonville 
— a jrano; saw-mill and a orrist-mill. lie bou2;ht much land, 
and set out to do a big business; but his grist-mill burned. 
lie failed and went to California. The Jeimisons bought the 
w^ater power, and 1,200 acres of land. 

Iliram Jennison run the first raft of lumber down the- 
Grand liiver. 



500 MEMORIALS OF THE 

ALLENDALE. 

The history of Allendale is very brief. It was a late day 
before it was settled at all; and its subsequent history is tliat 
of most other towns where lumbering is the chief interest. 
The land was, the most of it, purchased for its pine, and held 
for that by speculators and non-residents. Again, about 183G, 
the spirit of speculation was rife in the Eastern States; and 
there was a rage for purchasing Western lands. The man who 
had a little spare casli, came to Michigan or some other West- 
ern State; hunted the wilds for land; selected tlie best, and 
went off; leaving only the undesirable lots for the one who 
came to locate a home. 

Until as late as 1855, a great proportion of the best farming 
lands was so held — at Urst with an iron grip; afterwards, from 
a disrelish of paying taxes — with a looser hand. Most of the 
really desirable land on the Grand River was so held. Tliis 
was one of the reasons why townshijts, one or two removes 
from the river, were settled before those along its side. Back 
from the river was land that could be bought at Government 
price, or with State scrip. Near the river, the land was owned 
by, no one knew who; and was not open to occupation. Al- 
lendale, unfortunately, was in this category, and long remained 
a place for cutting logs and hunting deer. 

In June, 1843, Richard Roberts took up the first one hun- 
dred and sixty acres that was occupied by an actual settler. 
For several years he kept a place of entertainment for travelers. 
He sold out and moved to the place where he spent the rest 
of his life. In 1843-4, came Thomas Jones, John Hanna, and 
Ephraim Pierson. In 1844, Robert Scott came on ; cleared a 
few acres, and went back. The family, his mother and brothers, 
Alexander and James, came on and occupied. He followed 
them two years afterwards. In 1845, Alexander Milne took 
up his residence in the town. Morris Reed located in 1847. 
These were the pioneers; others followed slowly. 

In 1851, the Methodists formed a society or class of nine mem- 
bers — Wm. Comfit, Joseph Burllnghame, Johnson Balcom, Al- 
exander Milne, and their wives, and Lucy J. Spear. The class 
was formed under the ministration of the Rev. Wm. C. Comfort. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 501 

About 1854, Albert Maxfield, a local preaclier, organized a 
class of Wesleyan Methodists. Some of the other class joined 
them, and the original society ceased to exist. Tliis society 
has had an active existence since; has now regular preaching, 
and some forty members. The society has no church edifice. 

The Congregationalists, in 1872, began to bestir themselves; 
organized a society of about fifteen members, and, with the aid 
of some whole-hearted sinners, and of liberal people in other 
places, erected the first, and at present the only, church edifice 
in the town. 

It is to be hoped that the Methodists will take counsel from 
wisdom, open their purses, appeal to the sinners, and not a])- 
peal in vain. That much-talked-against class of people are 
ever found ready to help, for they believe in the gospel, and 
like those best who pitch into them the hardest. Make the 
appeal to them, ye AVesleyans, after you have shown, by your 
own liberality, tliat you really believe what you profess to, and 
be assured the appeal will not be in vain. 

The first school in the town was kept by Francis M. Burton, 
a Grand Rapids boy, who, in consideration of the fact that it 
was his first attempt at teaching — and further, in consideration 
of the fact that it was all they could pay — taught for §10 ;i 
month. This Burton was a genius in his way. When hist 
heard from, he was in Oregon. 

The town was organized in 18-49; then consisting of town- 
ships 5, 6 and what of 7 is south of the river. The first meet- 
ing was at the house of Richard Roberts. 

The stump machine is at work in Allendale. Until that has 
done its work, civilized agriculture can make but little progress. 
Stumps, whether in the fields or in the human mouth, are un- 
poetic things. Rhyme to " stump" as you will, it is some 
word with low associations — as "lump, bump, dump, mump, 
gump, or trump — " the last with double meaning; the one 
associating it with Gabriel; and the other, wdth those unseemly 
pictures with which vacant heads are often amuse.d. A Mid- 
ower with a mouth full of stumps stands but a poor chance, 
unless his pocket is well lined; and a farm, with these unsightly 
objects disfiguring it, excites no poetic rapture. But thej^ are 



502 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

disappearing, and the fields of Allendale will yet be as beau- 
tiful as her name. The town is one of capacities rather than 
a developed reality. The views on the river are fine; the land 
is good, and has a pleasing variety of surface; and the civiliz- 
ing agents are at work. It is easy to see what it will be. 

All honor to the person with an ear for music, and with 
poetry in his soul, who, as godfather, named the young town. 
Were not our harp long since hung on the willows, we would 
improvise a strain, that should wake some more youthful bard 
to sing of " Lovely Allendale." 

There is but one human name (and that our own) that we 
can bear to see borne by a town. Allendale has no such load 
to bear. Other people feel about as we do. Therefore, we 
advise all young towns and villages to compliment no one; to 
imitate no one; but exercise taste and that alone. We said 
alcove, there was one excepted name. Should any people 
choose to give that name to their place, we should feel the 
compliment; but should not admire their taste. 

POLKTON. 

The temporary organization of the town was authorized oy 
the Legislature March 19th, 184-5. Its. territory consisted of 
four townships, 5, 6, 7, 8, JST., R. 14 W. The first town meet- 
ing was appointed to be held at the house of Timothy East- 
man. At the first town meeting, the l-lth of Aprib Timothy 
Eastman was chosen Moderator, and Robert F. Tracy, Clerk. 

There were present 19 voters. The meeting was adjourned 
from Eastman's house to the school-house near by, where were 
elected : 

Timothy Eastman, Supervisor; John N. Hopkins, Clerk; 
Paschal Maxfield, Treasurer; T. Eastman, R. F. Tracy, Benj. 
Hopkins, P. Maxfield, Justices. 

Twenty offices were filled, of which T, Eastman had 3; P. 
Maxfield, 3; B. Hopkins, 3; Ephraim Parsons, Robert Tracy, 
and Charles Wiley, each 2. 

The names of sixteen of the voters are found on the record. 
Timothy Eastman, Pasch.al Maxfield, Robert F. Tracy, Justus 
Stiles, Charles Wiley, Stephen Morse, Warren Streeter, Joseph 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 503 

Corliugliame, John K, Hopkins, Benjamin Hopkins, Daniel 
Eealy, Epliraim Parsons, David Stanton, Paul Aveiy, John 
Gardner, James Charles. 

One hundred dollars was raised for town purposes. 

Indicative of the subsequent growth of the town, in 1847 
the vote was 43; in 1848, 26; in 1849, 35. A reference to 
the summary of legislative action, will show that in this time 
the dimensions of the territory were undergoing changes. 

The settlement of Polkton and Talmadge are in substance 
the same. A center of settlement was at Steele's Landing 
(now Lamont), near the line of the two towns. ]N^eighbors 
found themselves in different towns. Most of the pioneers 
located on the Talmadge side. So the proper place for giving 
the rise and progress of the settlement is in connection with 
that town, and the village of Lamont. 

Although at a very early day settlers clustered around 
Lamont, the town of Polkton made but little progress for quite 
a number of years. Timothy D. and Benjamin Lilly pushed 
on a distance from the " Landing " in 1843, and settled them- 
selves where they have ever since resided. They cut their own 
road from the Landing. Bichard Piatt, 1844; Sylvanus Waters, 
1844. 

Of the early settlers, or as early as 1848, we are able to give 
the names of Chauncey and Justus Stiles; Warren Streeter 
(transient), Peter McNaughton, Bichard Stiles, Abraham Peck, 
-losiah T. Lawton, Walter McEwing (the lirst in the Cooper- 
ville part of the town), 1845; Sylvester Jackson, Ephraim 
Doane (transient). He was afterwards murdered at St. Louis; 
Henry Garter (transient), Paul Averill, a Canadian, who left 
on account of the "patriot war." Daniel W. Scott, who estab- 
lished a tannery, — the first between Grand Bapids and Grand 
Haven, on Dorr Creek, east of Cooperville; Edward Streeter, 
by Scott; John Averill (son of Paul); John N. Hopkins and 
Wm. Piatt. 

The most of these, in green old age, are still living and en- 
joying the fruits of their labor. A few rest where we all must 
rest. Josiah Lawton died in 1863, aged 77; and Paul Averill 
died in 1873, aged 55; and John N. Hopkins (more identified 
with Spring Lake) is also dead. 



50A MEMOKIALS OF THE 

Tlie part of tlie town away from the river did not grow mucli 
until the D. & M. Raih-oad came through. 

There was no school nearer than Eastmanville, until 1853. 
Then Miss Eliza B. Torrey tanght a school of ten scholars, in 
a log house without windows, one mile north of Cooperville. 
That house did service until 1871. This Miss Torrey is now 
Mrs. Daniel ^Y. Scott, near Cooperville. 

Benjamin F. Cooper, in the spring of 1845, purchased the 
section, on which Cooperville is situated. It remained 
untouched until the D. and M. Raih-oad came through. Then 
Cooper, as an inducement, offered the company the undivided 
one-half of 160 acres, if they would locate a depot there, and 
call it Cooperville. He sent his two sons to start the place. 
They built a saw-mill, and opened a store. They stayed four 
years, failed, and went back to Utica. Cooper got discouraged 
and did no more. After liis death the property was sold toW. F. 
Storrs, George W. Danforth, Charles Hosmer and A. C. Ellis; 
and the place began to grow, and has since developed itself into 
a business place of some importance. It has at present seven 
stores, two taverns, one tannery, a saw and grist-mill; and the 
other adjuncts of a thriving country village. It has a good brick 
school-house, wliicli cost $5,000. It is not a fancy structure, l)ut 
a good, substantial, plain building. It was built in 1871. The 
lirst principal was Milo D. Alderson, who for two years pre- 
sided in it; and who gave general satisfaction. He was suc- 
ceeded by Geo. A. Farr; who, aided by two assistants, is now 
in charge. Scholars, 150. 

Polkton has been the theatre of an unusual number of 
tragical deaths. 

Albert Randall was killed by the fall of a limb of a tree, in 
1850. 

Frederick JVIarshall was the same year killed by the fall of a 
tree; and about the same time Frederick Whitcup, a Hol- 
lander, mot a similar fate. 

Peter Wilde, an old man, hanged himself, in 1875. 

Harry Steele was killed by the bursting of a mill -stone. 

Norman Hinsdale, at Lamont, was drowned while attempt- 
ing to rescue a hoj. 



GRAND RIVEil VALLEY. 505 

James Yan Gorden, a young man, was killed by being struck 
on the head with a club. His assailant was a youth, who was 
sent to the house of correction two and a half years. 

A youth by the name of Yanden Bowt was killed by the 
tall of a limb. He was not a resident. 

Pieman Leland was shot accidentally, about 1864. 

The churclies of Cooperville are the Episcopal Methodist, 
the Congregational, and the Free Methodist. The Congre- 
gational has ceased to have an active existence. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was started in 1866. The 
original class were: 

Walter McEwing and wife; Roswell Toothacre and wife; 
Robert Martin and wife; Mrs. Sours, Mrs. Austin, and two 
others. 

For two years, meetings were held in private houses, and 
then in the hall over one of the stores. 

After the Congregational church was built, the Methodists 
liad the 2)rivilege of the house once in two weeks. In 1875, they 
bouglit out the right of the Congregationalists to the house — 
that society havino: run out. The class is still small. 

The Free Methodists have an active organization. 

WRIGHT. 

Until April 5th, 1847, this town was a part of Talmadge. 
Its settlement and early history are identified with that town. 
At the date above given, the township commenced its separate 
political existence. It was in no great hurry to be set oif — 
apparently better pleased with being a part of a large concern, 
than the whole of a small one. 

At its organization, which was at the liouse of Leonard 
Roberts, the followino; were elected its first officers: 

Silvius Waters, Supervisor; Ireneus Wellman, Clerk; Hiram 
C. McDearman, Treasurer; Edson Fuller, John McLain, 
Charles Dunning, Justices. 

Who first made a beginning in Wright is matter of ques- 
tion. It was reached, not by pushing adventure, but in regular 
progress — going a little beyond— a part of the early settlers, 
feeling that they belonged to the settlements around Grand 
Rapids; and others that they belonged to Talmadge. 



506 " MEMORIALS OF THE 

As far as known, Justin Walker was among the first, if not 
the first, to locate in the town — lie locating in the extreme 
southeast corner. He came with a wife and six children in 
1839. It was but just stepping over the line of the town of 
Walker, which wa*s pretty well occupied. They were then only 
one and a-half miles from neighbors. Mr. Leland came about 
the same time, and located northwest of Mr. Walker, 

This Mr. Walker was killed at Grand Eapids, in 1863, by 
the kick of a horse. His wife died in 1874. 

Several settlers came in ISttO, among them the brothers 
Lilly (Benjamin and Timothy B.), who gave name to a part • 
of the town — the "Lilly Settlement;" James Wheeler and 
John O'Brien. 

It is not deemed necessary to trace the progress of settle- 
ment any further, as it has no historic value. Good land was 
the attraction, and people went to occupy it, just on the out- 
skirts of civilization. To locate there was not an adventure; 
and it was subject only to the inconveniences common to back- 
woods life. Its history, is the development of one of the best 
farming towns in the State. The snug little village of Berlin, 
which at first clustered about a mill, is its business center. 
The railroad passing through, puts it in easy communication 
with the world. In thrift and wealth it will compare favorably 
with any rural town. In fact, a man owning land there ought 
to be poor, if he could not get rich from it. True, all have not; 
as some are born to be poor; and others choose present pleasure 
to future independence and respectability; and, as all ex])eri- 
ence proves, there is luck^ as well as skill in making a fortune. 

But the general experience of mankind is, that if a young man 
will push into the woods, secure a piece of land, such as is found 
in Wright, go to idotTz and develop it, keep out of debt, let 
whisky and fashion alone, he may in a green old age, sit in his 
front door and enjoy his meerschaum, while contemplating his 
waving fields, his flocks, herds, and well-filled pocket-book. 
His turkeys will gobble arouiul him; his lambs bunt the sheep 
in his yards, and his peaceful soul will be at rest. AVho 
wouldn't be an old man, after a long, laborious, useful and 
honorable life? He looks on the land he has redeemed from 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 507 

the wilds; he looks on the children whom he Las raised, and 
lor whom he has denied himself; and the peaceful, cheering 
thought steals over him, that those children are impatiently 
waiting for his death, that they may enjoy the fruits of his 
labors. But what has this to do with Wright"? Perhaps notli- 
ing. But it must he a strange town if it has not some such 
happy old men. But more commonly the man, when he finds 
himself too old to work, gives up the business and property to 
his sou, relying on filial love and duty for the quiet enjoyment 
of an old age free from cares. He linds himself thrust into a 
corner, wearing his son's cast-off clothes — "the old man;" 
and by and by when he is found dead — hanged or drowned — a 
coroner's verdict is given, " Died by his owt^i act. iV^ cause 
can he assigned.''^ But we will come back to AYright. 

In the northern part of the town is a German settlement of 
about fifty families, and about as many more over the line, in 
Chester. Most of these came in 1842. They were poor peo- 
ple, who came, not as a colony, but from diflerent German 
States, to make for themselves a home. They did not come 
together, but settled, German near German. They are mostly 
thriving farmers; have a church (Catholic), a resident priest^ 
and really form a German community. They were first set- 
tlers of that part of the town. 

The Irish Catholics have a church west of Berlin, and the 
Adv^entists a society in the north part. There is no need of 
trying to hand down their history; for, if their doctrine is 
true, we all shall soon be ^ wdiere the dew falls not;" if not 
true, but the idealization of fanaticism, it is charity on the 
part of history to help oblivion. 

A reference to the census reports will show that Wright had 
some 500 inhabitants at the time it was set off; that its growth 
has been steady, if we suppose an error in the retui'ns of the 
last State census, which shows a falling off. It is helleved 
there was an increase. The same is observable in several other 
towns in the Grand Bivei- Yalley — the State census less than 
the preceding U. S. Probably the explanation is, that the 
marshals, being paid jye^/' cajylta^ made exaggerated returns in 
1870. 



508 • MEMORIALS OF THE 

CROCKERY. 

The Indian name, " ]^unica," means " pottery," or earthen- 
ware. At or near the month of the creek tliat bears the name, 
considerable qnantities of Indian pottery were found, whicli 
caused it to be called " Crockery Creek." The Indian word 
" JS^unica," has been retained by the rising village and railroad 
station. 

Judge Hathaway, who was all of his life one of the most 
honored and prominent men of Ottawa county, and whose hold 
on the respect and love of the people was such as only a supe- 
rior and good man can have, was the lirst white settler in tlie 
town. He came from Claremont, Mass., in 1837, to Grand 
Haven, where he lived until I^ov., 1839, when he came to the 
mouth of Crockery Creek. There he lived, monarch of all he 
surveyed, for six years. During this six years he cultivated 
the land some, made shingles, and cut logs. For shingles lie 
could get from $1 to $1.50 per M. Logs in the river, delivered 
at the mill, would bring from $2 to $2.50 per 1,000 feet. 

The style in which Hathaw^ay and his wife lived was primi- 
tive, but they had no Mrs. Grundys for neighbors, and there- 
fore they despised not its simplicity. Their log-house admit- 
ted the driving snow. For four months Mrs. H. saw not the 
face of a white woman. They had Indians for neighbors, and 
lived on terms of friendly intercourse with them. And, as 
young couples uncorrupted by fashion often do, they looked 
forward to a home and independence, as the result of their mu- 
tual labors and as the goal of their ambition. Young love is 
trusting, and young hearts are hopeful; and young hands can 
grapple with difficulties, and young muscles can endure labor. 
As we pass the cabin in the wood; see the forest trees, laid by 
the ax, around it; observe the young man tirelessly battling 
with the forest, and every day proving himself a conqueror; 
we — ^that is, your humble servant — respectfully make our best 
bow, and grasp the horny hand of one we esteem a hero. He 
is one of the men who make the world, and who create wealth, 
which, when created, can easily make the soft-handed dandy, 
who lives to spend, and who dies, food for oblivion. 

Nor is that young wife in her log-cabin to be passed lightly 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 509 

Lv. With love in her heart &he has left her father's homsey to 
share the fortune and the labors of her chosen companion. She 
don't ask your pity. She is happy, with her brave husband 
and the dear little ones that sdve life to her humble cottao-e. 
God bless you, young wife and helj)mate; your hopes will be 
realities. 

At the time Hathaway settled there were no roads of any 
kind, the river was the only available way of connection. The 
tangled fallen timber, the swamps, and the ravines rendered 
traveling other than on foot nearly impossible. The land in 
the township was mostly State land. Settlers generally located 
on State scrip, which they bought for from 50 to 60 cents on 
the dollar, paying nominally $1.25 per acre. The young State 
of Michigan, trying to go too fast, got in debt, and not being 
able to pay, her promises to pay got to be looked upon with 
disfavor; they were property to get rid of. The State received 
large grants of land from the United States. As a wise means 
of restoring State credit, and as doing the best by her creditors 
that she could, it was decreed that State script should be receiv- 
able at par for State lands, and that land should be sold at the 
United States price. As will be seen from the article of John 
Ball, a good deal of this State land was selected in OttaM^a 
county; and the way of paying for it facilitated its settlement. 
Some of the land in Crockery was located on the 1812 soldiers' 
bounty warrants. The region escaped the notice of the spec- 
ulators of 1836-T, and, when the land was bought, it was by 
those who meant to occupy it. 

Next after Hathaway, were three brothers Patchin, who 
employed themselves getting in logs for Ringnette and Boldan. 
Their job of logs was the first put into the Grand River, in 
1838. This Boldan was a half-breed French Indian, who lived 
witli Ciiarles Oakes at Grandville. From a shantying lum- 
berman, Manly Patchin became one of the earliest actual 
settlers, as did James N. Patchin and another brother. 

About 1840, Henry Dusenbuiy came in; soon after built a 
mill up tlie creek. He aftenvards went across the lake, and 
to California, where he was killed. 

William W. Kanouse came in 1840 or 1841. He after- 
wards lived at Grand Haven. 



olO MEMORIALS OF THE 

In 1S44, Cliarles T. Gibbs and Charles Eose came together', 
tlie next winter and spring, - ■ Barringer, — — - Yan Dyke, 
Uriah Hellnms; in 1846, Silas O. and Theron F. Hunter, 
Ebenezer and Arza Bartholomew. 

It was hard living for the first settlers of Crockery. Going 
to mill was taking a canoe to Grand Hapids. To get some 
money was to put in logs, or cnt cord- wood. Mr. Gibbs cut 
cord-wood near the river; carried it to the bank on a wheel- 
barrow; loaded it on a raft of logs, and sold it at Grand Ha- 
ven for one dollar per cord. Ingenuity was taxed to get 
something to eat 

The Indians had possession along the river. Some "fifty or 
sixty of them lived at Battle Point, where they purcliased 
about seventy acres of land. The chief was named Magobie 
(nicknamed Saginaw Coosco— Black Bird). He was a powerful 
and handsome man; generally called a good Indian. He lived 
to a great age— was supposed to be near one hundred years old 
when he died. His son, Ahmoos, was a man of influence 
among them. At a later day, Joseph Cobmoosa bought 
land there, and had a farm. He was drowned at Graiul Ha- 
ven. One of their number— old Shiawas— was present and 
helped at the burning of Buffalo. The Indians of this clan 
were used at the battle on Lake Erie, and afterwards would 
go to Toronto for the atmuity jiaid them by the British. Thev 
did not consider themselves treated with much respect by those 
they served in that battle. An Indian, wounded, was thrown 
overboard; a white man was not. 

A good Indian— T^attawas— lived near Hathaway, who 
always supplied him with game. He was poisoned to death 
at Grand -Haven. 

About three miles above Battle Point, was another com- 
pany of about one hundred. Their chief was Shiawas— a 
proud, fine looking, keen and powerful man. He and his baud 
went away about 1839. 

A few of the Indians are still at Battle Point. 

The name "Battle Point " is suggestive of history. As it is 
pointed out to the traveler on the river he naturally desires to 
know what was the great event which left its record as a name 



GEAND EITEE VALLEY, 511 

on the place. As he knows that no battles of our nation were 
near the Grand Eiver, he inevitabh' comes to the conclusion 
that here the Indian braves met on the field of death. He 
inquires for Indian legends of the bloody frav. but Indian tra- 
ditions have not come down. Tet ie there not a dim tradition 
among the earlier occupants of the region, that on this point. 
Captain Kanouse and Henry Dusenbury, in desperate fight 
with fists and words, contested their pre-emption claims. In 
honor of that fight, the place has since been called •' Battle 
Point." "When the anxious inquirer has heard thus much, he 
is too disgusted to ask, who got whipped; and should he ask. 
ho one could enlighten him. 

JAMESTOWX. 

This town was set ofi" from Georgetown and organized in 
in 1S49. At the time it appears there were only 13 voters in 
the township. Their names were: Monsieur Brown, his son, 
James M. BroAVn, Xathan TV., Charles and David Kichardson. 
James Skeels, James and James M. Cronkright, George I), 
and Augustus Donnelly, S. L. Gitchell, Andrew Frieze, and 
Andrew Frieze, Jr. 

Of these were elected: Supei*visor, James Skeels: Clerk. 
James M. Brown: Treasurer. James M. Cronkright: Justices, 
G. G. Donnellv, Charles Kichardson. James Cronkriorht. Xathan 
TV. Bichardson. 

Eaised sl25 for contingent expenses. 

The first settlers were the Cronkrights. father and son, who 
entered in 1S43. In 1844. came Monsieur Brown and his son ; 
S. L. Gitchel. Andrew Frieze. Xathan and Charles Bichardson 
and perhaps, one or two others. 

Tiie pioneer Cronkright is still resident. Monsieur Brown 
died in Wyoming in 1S65. 

Jamestown was sotight for its soil alone, being perhaps the 
best agricultural township in Ottawa county. It probablv 
would not have been reached in the course of settlement as 
soon as it was, had it not been for the fact that the really desi- 
rable lands nearer the river had been taken by speculators. 

The early settler must have a small head and retreatincj 



512 MEMORIALS OF THE 

forehead, if lie does not look out for the best land. After set- 
tlement has given valne to timber, and made location desira- 
ble, it will do to take land of inferior, or even poor quality. 
But when the best timber is a nuisance to be got rid of, when 
the man has to forego all the comforts and appliances of civil- 
zation, and do that work which is to give value to the region 
aromid, he cannot afford to take poor land. Besides, if he has 
common sense, he will realize that in future time that first 
rate land makes the first rate fiirm, and that the owner of an 
A No. 1 farm, with his sleek cattle, and his dozen stout bovs 
and rosy girls around him, is about as independent a nabob as 
the country affords. If he is not " monarch of all he surveys," 
he is monarch of broad acres that he has redeemed from 
savage wilderness, and he has a right to feel himself a noble- 
man. The novelist, Cooper, with his world-wide reputation, 
prided himself on being the owner of a farm. "There is no 
property," said he to the writer, " that is so respectable to own, 
as a farm." Cooper was right. To be the exclusive owner of 
a piece of God's earth has dignity in it, especially if it has 
that fertile soil, that will roll up the bank account. But after 
all there is not much dignity in being the owner of poor land. 
It savors too much of poverty and its twin sister — humility. 
" I haven't but an acre of it, and am not so poor as yon think 
I am,'.' was the answer of a Peimsylvanian to the man who 
told him, " the more such land a man had the poorer he was." 

But coming back to the to^\Ti. The early settlers were 
obliged to bring their provisions, etc., on their backs from 
Grandville, or on hand-sleds, on account of the swamps. There 
were plenty of deer, and other game abounded. So abundant 
Mere deer, that one man (a Mr. Hermit) killed 86 in one 
winter. 

They had their diversions, tL3ir gala-days being " logging 
bees" and log house raisings. A logging bee is the glory of 
the new settler. Five or ten acres have been chopped and 
burned. Invitations are sent to all, far and near. They come, 
the sturdy yeomen, with their teams; and the bonny lasses 
come, too. Emulous to outdo each other, they go at the logs 
and bnish with a "Hip! hurrah! '' and log heaps arise like tlie 



GEAND KIVEK VALLEY. 513 

work of magic. The "mysterious" circulates; and all feel 
the inspiring effect of "niysterv," Long before night the 
held is cleared; and all adjourn to the house where briglit eyes 
are ready to greet them, where the pigs are smoking on the 
table, and the abounding et ceteras of rustic good cheer. The 
" fan " in the field has given an appetite that soon sweeps tlie 
board. And then comes the good time of social hilarity, wliicli 
we, poor slaves of etiquette, know nothing of. Why, there is 
more enjoyment in one logging bee than in twenty fancy balls, 
or fashionable parties — enjoyment higher, purer, and really 
more desirable. There is soul in it, and people love to realize 
that they have a soul. 

No school was in the town until the summer of 1851. The 
first was kept b}^ Miss Elizabeth Bates. 

The pioneer preacher was Elder A. B.Toms, a FreeAVill 
Baptist. 

But one church edifice has been built in the town — that of 
the Dutch Reformed. The Free Will Baptists, the Methodists 
and the Disciples have organizations, but no buildings. 

In the winter of 1873-4, an event occurred over which a 
mystery still hangs: the disappearance of the town treasurer, 
C. C. Pratt. Whether he was murdered, or ran away, is mat- 
ter of opinion. 

Like most new rural towns, Jamestown has left little for 
record. Probably the most important event is putting the 
drain through the long swamp, a part of which is in that 
town. This is revealing the invaluable worth of those detested 
lands. The Drain Commissioner has opened a mine of wealth. 
It is now for the people to work it. It is found that these 
drained swamps yield fabulous crops, especially of onions. 
All experience so far demonstrates that mud (not peat) swamps 
are land in its perfection; and in time many will be the bene- 
dictions showered on the Drain Commissioner, whose assess- 
ments are apt to be met by many a grumbling curse. Why, 
man, your swamp with a good ditch through it, is worth five 
times as much, acre by acre, as your dry land. It has for 
ages been tlie reservoir of fertilizing matter, drawn from the 
land around; and is an inexhaustible region — a mine of fer- 

33 



514 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

tility. Happy is its lucky owner. Oh! I wisli I owned some 
of it! 

TALMADGE. 

Talniadge was constituted a town by act of Legislature, in 
1838, and" consisted of T. 7 and 8 :N'., R. 13 W. The first 
meeting was at the house of Wm, Stoddard, April 2d, 1838, 
At the organization of the town, there were elected: 

Bethuel Church, Supervisor; Israel V. Harris, Clerk; Abram 
Hatch, Silas G. Harris, Ira H. Maxfield, Alonzo D. Yeomans, 
Justices. 

Tlie record does not show the number of voters, but from 
thtm the following names are gleaned: 

Edward Dalton, Daniel Angell, Jotham Baxter, Allen Stod- 
dard, Thomas B. Woodbury, Harrison Hunter. 

The vicic^itudes, as it regards size, through whicii Talmadge 
has passed, are: 

In 1839, the town was enlarged by annexing to it T. 7 and 
8, R. 14 W. 

Since then, by the organization, of new towns, and the gen- 
eral arrangement of territory so that the river shall divide no 
town, the present shape and size of the town was i-eached in 
1847. 

By common consent, A. D. Yeomans and Allen Stoddard 
were the first that settled in Talmadge. They came in 1835, 
The stay of Yeomans was short. He sold out in 1838, to H. 
& Z. Steele, went to Illinois, and died. Stoddard lived the 
first winter in an Indian wigwam. 

Ira H. Maxfield came from Clinton county, K. Y., in Feb., 
1836. He was a farmer in Talmadge until his death, in 1874. 
He was a valued citizen; able, patriotic and honorable. 

Harlow T. Judson came from Canada in 1836, and settled in 
Talmadge. He died in 1870. 

The other accessions of 1836, as nigh as ascertained, were: 

Bethuel Church, Andrew Dalton, Edward Dalton, John 
Baxter, Victor Harris (Jan.), Lemuel Peake (Jan., '36), Lewis 
D, Burch, Jotham Baxter, T. B. Woodbury, Daniel Angell, 
(fall of '36). 



GEANB EIVER VALLEY. 515 

In 1837: Damon Hatcl), John C. Da^as, Bromley, Har- 
ry Steele, Zina Steele. 

The gleanings of the early history of the town are meager; 
there is little bat adventures with wild beasts, among which 
Mr. Angell made himself a terror, subsisting for many years 
upon their destruction, Not counting deer, squirrels, bears, 
muskrats and other minor game, he killed seventy wolves, one 
of which was a big black one, and one a loup-cervier. 

Mr. A., one night, out looking for his cattle, was startled by 
the cry of a panther near him. He did not see the beast. At 
that time it was known that two panthers were around, one of 
which was killed by a man near Crockery Creek, by a well 
directed ball planted between his eyes. The man startled the 
pantlier, who, before determining whether to charge or retreat, 
placed his paws on a log and looked at the .hunter, winking 
first one eye and then the other, and gracefully swinging his 
caudal elongation. The man, ejaculating one prayer to the 
devil, ground out the words between his teeth, " You impudent 
cuss!" and fired. Mr. Panther sprang up, turned morr sum- 
mersets than were ever witnessed in a circus; and, in fact, 
acted as though he w^as mad, or at least half crazy. Calming 
himself by degrees, he lay down and died, apparently with 
quiet resignation. 

This pair of panthers have been traced from Clinton countv 
to Ottawa; where, one being killed, the other was seen no 
more. It is not known as they did any harm. They scared 
some people; and in Talmadge one of them lost his life be- 
cause he must stop and look, instead of promptly acting. Let 
all wild beasts learn wisdom; and when they meet a man with 
a gun, charge or retreat, and that instantly. 

Soon after the first settlement of the phice (for cities were 
then wonderfully popular), Mr. T. B. Woodbury having a half- 
section of land admirable for a city, laid out eighty acres of it. 
The fate of this city was not that of countless others, platted 
and mapped at about the same time. It became a village, is 
now a village, and a pretty village, too. Mr. "Woodbury in 
one thing showed that he was a man of taste, a gentleman and 
a scholar. He run through the village a wide avenue, which 
is, at the same time, street and park. 



516 MEMORIALS OF THE 

But he, the orighiator of the village, reaped no benefit from 
it. He sold out, put his property into a grist-mill; that was 
burned, and he was destitute. He now lives near Fruitport. 

The place became known as " Steele's Landing," afterwards 
as " Middleville," until in 1857, its name was changed by the 
Legislature to " Lament." An interesting tradition has been 
handed down to the present time, that the people of the place 
were warm in their admiration of the placid dignity of A. 
Lament Chubb, of Grand Rapids. He had, in connection 
with his father, opened a store for the sale of agricultnral im- 
plements. They had seen in front of his store a beautiful 
road-scraper. It was just the thing they wanted. They feasted 
their eyes upon it; they coveted it. The village trustees 
determined in solemn council to buy it, when lo! the treasury 
was empt}', not a nickel there. Still they must have that scraper, 
even if it cost them the good name of Middleville. Chubb 
was sounded, and it appeared that though he valued the scraper 
at its full worth, he valued immortality more. The historian 
approves his choice, and will himself add a chain to the 
scraper when any rising village will immortalize Ms name, by 
making it theirs. But won't they, by-and-by, sell their name 
again? 

Having written so much,we sought an interview with Chubb, 
and having congratulated him on his cheap immortality, he, 
in his quiet way, with his usual placid smile and sly delibera- 
tion, remarked: " Are-you-not-a-little-in-error-in-your-chro- 
nology ? Was - not - the - naming - hefore - the - giving - of- the- 
scraper?" The wind was out of our sails. AYe had anned 
ourselves with scraper and chain, and had been looking for the 
village, who for it would give us immortality. What was our 
cliagi-in when we learned that these names were given in com- 
pliment to ivoi'th, and were not on sale. We've a scraper and 
chain to sell cheap. We'd like to see part of our money back 
again. 

The first school in the town was kept by Mrs. Harrison 
Hunter, in a log house built by Hunter. Among the first 
teachers was Mr. Barry, who is still a resident, and who is 
widely known as a logical grammarian. 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 517 

The first house built as a school-house is standing still, de- 
c^raded into a barn and catch-all. It stands east of the brick 
church. 

The town was named in compliment to Gen. Talmadge, of 
Dutchess county, IT. Y. 

ROMANCE IN OLD AGE. 

Among the earliest settlers at Lament, as many of the old 
settlers in this locality will remember, were Dan Ano-ell and 
wife, Avho went there in 1837. They had lived, with the usual 
happiness and trials, the usual health and illness that befall 
humanity, in Lamont, till the 5th of Nov., 1875, when Mi-s. 
Angell died. Her death affected Mr, Angell very much— he 
loved his wife with a fervor and fidelity wdiich many of the 
latter-day people cannot realize or understand, and he felt cer- 
tain he could not long survive her loss. He insisted that he 
was going to die soon, and that her body should be kept, so 
that he might be buried at tlie same time in the same grave 
with lier. His request was granted, and he did die on the 
19th, just two weeks after, and both were buried on the 21st 
in the same grave. Such romance is not often found in these 
latter days. 

FRUITPORT. 

Setting off from the Grand River near its mouth, is a body 
of water, foriuerly known as the Bayou, but more recently as 
Spring Lake. It is an uncommonly beautiful sheet of water, 
with high shores, and every surrounding to make it one of the 
loveliest spots in Michigan. Until 1866, it was unappreciated 
and considered only in its relation to the lumber business. 
The soil around is a light, sandy loam, resting on clay. The 
timber was a heavy growth of pine, hemlock, ash, etc. The 
land, stripped of its timber, was considered nearly valueless, 
as land of deep sand is generally found to be, and was classed 
with the "])ine barrens," which entail poverty on their unfor- 
tunate owner. 

In the spring of 1866, Captain E. L. Craw, studying the 
region around Spring Lake, came to the conclusion that it had 
rare capacities, and purchased a tract of several hundred acres 



518 MEMORIALS OF THE 

on tlie eastern bank, and immediately set out some 30 acres of 
peach trees. Tlie result exceeded his liighest expectations. Tlie 
land was found to be admirably adapted to the growth of tliat 
li'uit and the grape. This gave rise to a good deal of the spirit 
of speculation. The land, underlaid with clay, that had a real 
vahie, o-ave a hio-h nominal value to the sandy soils in general. 

Fortunes were made by raising peaches, and very many, 
catching the spirit, saw mines of wealth in " fruit lands." 
Those who supposed spent pine lands near the lake shore were 
necessarily "fruit lands," found themselves mistaken, and 
denounced the whole as a humbug. But the fact was parent, 
that on the shore of Spring Lake, the land was invaluable for 
fruit. The business increased witli fine results on the whole. 
The crops were almost unfailing until the dread winter of 1874- 
5, which caused the faces of the peach-growers to assume a 
lugubrious elongation. The cold of that wdnter killed nearly 
all. But as such a winter had never come before, it w^as 
rational to suppose it never would again ; and people are act- 
ing on that assumption. 

The village of Fruitport was laid out at the head of the lake 
in 1868. In the spring of 1869, the foundation was laid for 
a hotel, intended to be a great concern. In 1871, a well was 
sunk, which resulted in a supply of mineral waters, which soon 
made the place famous for its waters. The Pomona House was. 
opened in July, 1871 ; and was crowded until the close of the 
season. 

In 1870, the property passed into the hands of a company. 
The Fruitport Magnetic and Sulphur Springs Company, with 
a capital of half a million dollars. The Pomona House has 
been twice burned down, and is now a ruin. The waters of 
this place. Spring Lake and Grand Haven, have been for some 
years a sreat attraction; and the numerous visitors claim that 
they are unsurpassed as curative agents. 

Great hopes are entertained as to the future of Fruitport. 

OTTAW^A COUNTY. 
AS GLEANED PROM THE COUNTY EECORDS. 

The county was organized by act of the Leg-islatnre, approved December 
21. 18:!7; and at the ensuing- township meetin<>-s of the three townships 
■which comprised tlie county, the following county officers were elected: 



GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 519 

Timothy Eastman, Clerk; Clai-k B. Albee, Register of Deeds; Edmund H. 
I^adger, Judge of Probate; Henry Pennoyer, Sheriff; Supervisors, Bathuel 
Church, Tahnadge; William Hathaway, Ottawa; Erastus Wilcox. Muskegon. 

The first meeting of the supervisors was held at the house of Nathan 
Troop, on the 112h day of April, 1838. Present: Erastus Wilcox and Wm. 
Hathaway. Organized by appomting E. Wilcox, Chairman, and Timothy 
Eastman, Clerk. 

Resolved, That the courts of the county be held at the village of Grand 
Haven, until further ordered. 

The board of two supervisors then adjourned. 

The next meeting was at Troop's house, on the 8th of May. 

Business: Extending the time for making up the assessment rolls, and 
appointing Timothy Eastman to locate a quarter-section of land for the use 
of the county, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of the Territorial 
Legislature, approved July 25th, 1836. He was to be accompanied by one 
or more of the supervisors. 

The Register of Deeds was directed to procure suitable book s 

At the annual meeting of the supervisors, held at the house of Wm. Hath- 
uway, the first Tuesday in October, there were present Church and Hathaway 
— Church in the chair. 

Adjourned two weeks. At the adjourned meeting, Oct. 16th, present, 
Church and Hathaway. 

Permission was given to Ed. H. Macy to keep a ferry across Black River 
Lake two years. 

Accounts were allowed to the amount of $423.16, and the Board assessed 
for town and expenses: Talmadge, $48.50; Ottawa, $631.34; Muskegon, 
$59.09. 

At this time a new order of things was inaugurated — the board of Super- 
visors being superseded by county commis.sioners. 

The Commissioners elected were Bethuel Church and Saunders Coates. 
They held their first meeting Dec. 6th, 18 18. W. Hathaway, Secretary. 

[It may here be stated that an important part of the business of the county 
was either not recorded, or the record has been lost. No record of the elec- 
tions is tbund; and what is here given is either from the records of the super- 
visors and commissioners, or from the memory of individuals.] 

Timothy Eastman is mentioned as being Judge of Probate, November 
16th, 1839. 

March 24th, 1840, provision is made for a more formal I'ecord of the pro- 
ceedings of the Board of Supervisors, and the succeeding board of County 
Commissioners. 

On the assessment rolls appear the towns of Ottawa, Georgetown, Tal- 
madge, Norton and Muskegon — five towns. 

Assessed value of the county, $352,372.57. 

In 1842, George L. Norton, Benjamin Hopkins and C. B. Albee were Coun- 
ty Commissioners. 

April 1st, 1842, the Board of Commissioners adjourned sine die; that is, 
forever. 

The record of the first meeting of the reinstated Board of Supervisors, 



520 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

bears date July 4th, 1842. They organized by appointing Benjamin Hop- 
kins chairman. But there is no record icJio were the supervisors. The same 
five towns were represented. 

In 1845, six towns are represented, Polkton then appearing. 

In 1846, at a not full board, C. B. Albee was directed to build a jail, and 
to draw on the county for $50, and contingently for $50 more; that is, if the 
absent supervisors approved in writing; and $100 was subscribed. The 
absent supervisors approved. 

In 1847, Wright appears, making seven towns. 

In 1848, White River and Chester— nine towns. 

In 1849, Holland, Jamestown, Crockery, Allendale, Spring Lake, and Ra- 
venna (White River disappears) — fourteen towns. 

In 1851, White River reappears. 

In 1852, Casnovia; 1854, Blendon; 1856, Robinson; 1857, Olive. 

In June, 1851, by the supervisors, the township of Zeeland is set off from 
Holland, and the first township meeting directed to be held at the church in 
the village of Zeeland, July 14th, 1851. 

At the same meeting, the S. % of T. 5, N. 15 W. was attached to Spring 
Lake. 

Valuation, $666,869.09. 

Oct. r2th, 1852, Casnovia was set off from Chester, as a separate town- 
ship; the first township meeting to be held at the house of Alexander Burdick, 
the first Monday in April, 1873. 

Ottawa county had jurisdiction over all territory north of it. In 1853, the 
counties of Oceana, Mason and Manistee are complained of, as not paying 
taxes; and a petition for proper powers to assess and collect taxes in the dis- 
trict was made to the Legislature, and special mantion is made of White 
River, in the county of Oceana. 

Valuation, $1,404,529.66. 

In 1854, the township of Blendon was organized— set off from Allendale; 
first meeting at the house of Booth Perry, the first Monday in April, 1857. • 

In January, 1856, Robinson was set off from Ottawa; first meeting at the 
house of Ira Robinson, the first Monday in April. 

Jan. 6th, 1857, the township of Olive was set off from Ottawa; first meet- 
ing at the house of Wm. J. Bakker, the 1st Monday in April. 

The records give evidence of a good deal of interest in the location of the 
county seat; various places desiring it; especially Eastmanville and Ottawa 
centers. 

At the January session, 1857, the Board voted to locate the county seat at 
Eastmanville, and that the question be submitted to the people. In 1858. 
by a two-thirds vote, they located it (so far as their vote would do it) at 
Ottawa Center. In October, its rejection by the people is recorded. 

In 1859, the supervisors voted to petition the Legislature to organize the 
county of Muskegon. In accordance with that petition, Muskegon county 
and all northern dependencies were set off. leaving Ottawa as now. The 
business between the two counties was amicably arranged. 

The first circuit court for the county Avas held. at Grand Haven, May 28tli, 
1839; Charles W. Whipple was the presiding judge, and Timothy Eastman 
and Jonathan H. Ford, associate judges. No jury was impaneled. 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 621 

MUSKEGON COUNTY. 
FROM THE RECORDS. 

The first, a special meeting- of the Board of Supervisors, was held July 
18th, 1859, at the office of H. H. Holt. No quorum present. Adjourned to 
meet at Wheeler & Shuginin's Hall, at 2 o'clock the same day. 

Townships represented— Muskegon, by E. W. Merrill; Norton, by Ira C. 
Smith; Casnovia, by Nathan Whitney. 

Absent — Supervisors of Ravenna and White River. 

At this meeting the Township of Eggelson was set off from Muskegon: 
the first meeting to be held a,t the house of Wm. Sturdifant. The town was 
.named in compliment to Adna Eggelson, an early settler, county surveyor, 
and supervisor until 1874, the time of his death. The next day Ravenna 
was repi-esented by Thomas D. Smith. 

Measures were taken to build a jail, with the proviso that it be done with- 
out expense to the county. 

At the January session, 1860, the Township of Mooi-land was organized; 
the first town meeting to be at the school-house near AVm. C. Bliss. 

The salaries allowed the county officers were: County Clerk, $100; County 
Treasurer, $50; Prosecuting Attorney, $150. 

In 1860, nine towns were represented. White River, Oceana, Dalton, 
Muskegon, Eggelson, Ravenna, Moorland, Casnovia, and Norton. 

The supervisors voted to petition the Legislature to restore Muskegon 
county to Ottawa. 

In 1861 Cedar Creek appearing by its supervisor — 10 towns; 1865, Blue 
Lake and Laketon. 

In 1S65, the towns of Oceana and Dalton were consolidated, and then 
divided into three towns — Oceana, Blue Lake and Dalton. 

Oceana— 12 N.. 17 W., and that part of 11 N., 17 W., lying north of 
White Lake. The first meeting at the school-house in the village of Mears. 

Blue Lake— T. 12, N. 16 W. First town meeting at the house of A. E. 
Kingsley, April od. 

Dalton— All that part of 11 N., 17 W., south of White Lake, and T. 11, 
16 W. First meeting at the school-house on Sec. 13. T. 11, N. 17 W. 

Fruitport was Lovell; changed name in 1870, by Legislature. 

Montague was part of Oceana until 1874. 

Holton was constituted a town, and named in honor of the Hon. H. H. 
Holt, in 1870. 

The court house was built in 1869-70, and was first occupied in August, 1870. 
The cost was $50,000. 

Fruitland was constituted a town in 1870 — was taken from the west part 
of Dalton. 

Whitehall was organized in 1874, having been before a part of Oceana. 

Oceana ceased to exist in 1874; its territory being divided into the two 
towns. Montague and Whitehall. 

In its early history Muskegon is identified with Ottawa, of which it formed 
an integral part until 1859, when, upon the petition of the board of supervi- 
sors of Ottawa county, the Legislature constituted Muskegon a county. It 



522 MEMORIALS OF THE 

consisted then of five organized townships: Muskegon, Norton, Casnovia, 
White River and Ravenna. 

Muskegon, Casnovia and Revenna were properly towns; the rest tempo- 
rarily organized as such. Casnovia, Chester and Ravenna were agricultural 
towns — their affinities rather with Kent than Ottawa. 

Muskegon came into notice as a lumbering point, and few of those who 
made investments there in early years, thought of it as good for any- 
thing else. As late as 1860, the houses and shops were mere shelters; few 
making any pretensions to elegance or permanency. The hotels were places 
where the up-river teams could be fed. Muskegon was not thought of or 
known except as a place for making and shipping lumber. Two-thirds of 
its territory was considered unfit for agricultural purposes. Different is the 
feeling at the present day. The people feel that they have a future as well 
as a present. They do not, as formerly, look upon the sure destruction of 
the pine as dooming the region to be an uninhabited blackberry field, or an 
idle wild. Our word " Fruit " is there magical. 

HOMICIDE CASES IN OTTAWA COUNTY. 

The following are all the cases of homicide which have come before the 
courts in the county. The information is kindly furnished by the prosecuting 
attorney, A. C. Adsit, Esq. 

Oct. 11th, 1855, Jordon Turpin was indicted for the murder of a man 
by the name of Fox. in the town of Spring Lake. His trial was commenced 
on the '23d of October, and lasted four days. He was found guilty, and re- 
ceived a life sentence. He died in prison. 

In 1856, Ebenezer Spencer was tried for murder; found guilty of man- 
slaughter, and sent to prison for three years. 

A case of uncominon interest occurred in 1875. On the 5th of June, 
1875, one Wilson Pound, an eccentric old bachelor, residing in North Hol- 
land, in a little cabin, was missing under circumstances that excited neigh- 
borhood suspicion, which was directed towards John H. Fuller, Fuller's son, 
and John S. Watson, who lived near neighbors. The prosecuting attorney 
was informed of the facts, as far as known, and of the suspicious. The pros- 
ecuting attorney and sheriff went directly to Holland, and after three days' 
investigation, came to the conclusion that Pound had been murdered, and 
that John H. Fuller, Melvin C. Fuller and John S. Watson, must have been 
implicated, all of whom had disappeared. 

In the meantime Watson, conscience-stricken, and no longer able to retain 
the dreadful secret — and not knowing that the sheriff was on his track — came 
to Grand Haven, and proceeding to the office of the prosecuting attorney, 
ga.ve himself into the custody of the law; confessed a knowledge of the 
crime; indicating the vicinity of the spot where the murdered remains of 
Wilson Pound lay concealed. Mr. Adsit. with Watson in charge, immedi- 
ately went to Holland, and informed the sheriff, who soon succeeded in ar- 
resting John H. Fuller. Under the direction of Watson, the body of Pound 
was discovered, staked down in the mud and water, and covered with weeds 
and turf, in a marsh at the head of the bay, about four miles from Holland 
city. The son was arrested a few days afterwanls. 



GKAND KIVER VALLEY. 523 

At the October term, the father and son were tried for .^e murder. Tlie 
j-oung man was not convicted; his father was sent to prison for life. Wat- 
son was used as State's evidence, and was released after being- in jail about 
four months. The trial was the most exciting- that Ottawa county has ever 
ha.d, and lasted six days. 

Tlie probable motive of the murder was to prevent Pound from being a 
witness against the Fullers, who were charged with displacing ths track of 
the railroad. 

On that charge, the young Fuller was afterwards twice tried, each time 
escaping conviction, by one dissenting juryman. He stands before the pub- 
lic, a free, but branded man. Guilty or innocent, he has a heavy load to beai-; 
that is, if he has a sentient soul. 

kobinson's peoclamatio:^. 

The following, too good to be lost, is taken from the Grand Haven Herald: 

Tn the spring of 1838, the Grand Haven Company had about 15,000 log.-? 
in rafts run into the bayou, staked by the shore and called safe by all. But 
heavy winds sent the logs adrift and th? whole marsh was covered with them. 

The fact was reported to Mr. Robinson and he blamed the ag-ent of the 
company somewhat, for the want of attention to the proper securmg of the 
rafts, nor could he be made to believe that the winds and current were such 
as to break all fastenings. At the request of the agent of the company (W. 
M. Fen-y) he remained at Grand Haven a few days, and while there one Sab- 
bath morning, a recurrence of wind and cun-ent came, and the logs with 
acres of marsh and weeds rushed to and fro like a mae!fctrom. 

Mr. Robinson called out the men and with boats caught and towed to the 
shore many logs, which he fastened with ropes and stakes. The work had 
hardly been accomplished and Robinson was viewing it with satisfaction, 
when the returning tide caught the logs and ag-ain scattered them, against 
all efforts made by himself and men. 

Robinson looked mad. He called to '' Uncle Mike " to get out his oxen, 
and with two yoke he had hauled up on the shore three large logs, and then 
told the teamster to put up the cattle. To the inquiry *' what are 3'ou going 
to do with the three logs you have secured?" he replied. "I shall put 
them in Mr. Ferry's cellar and see if I can keep them still there." 

That evening, after quite a chat over the occurrences of the day, Mr. R. 
turned to his office dusk, and in a very short time laid down his pen and 
handed me the accompanying paper, which I have always carefully preserved. 
I think it will be of interest to all old citizens of Grand Haven. 

T. W. White. 

PKOCLAMATION AND BLOCKADE. 

Whereas, There is a bayou situate at Grand Haven (a little speck in the 
west at the mouth of Grand River of Lake Michigan), said bayou being 
adjacent to a steam saw-mill now building and nearly completed by the 
Grand Haven Steam' ilill Company. 

And whei-eas, sundry s-aw logs and pieces of hewn timber were lodged in 
said bayou for safe keeping, and whereas, for several months past it h-as been 



524- MEMOKIALS OF THE 

the universal and continual practice of said saw logs and timber to take 
French leave and desert from said bayou, and transport themselves into Lake 
Michigan, and scattering themselves along the coast thereof, without con- 
sulting the interest of the owners of said property, and much to their annoy- 
ance, inconvenience and damage. 

And whereas, in the course of human events it sometimes becomes neces- 
sary for the public good and safety as well as peace and repose of individuals 
to lay heavy hand on certain outrageous movements and aggressions, and 
severely rebuke and punish the perpetrators and aggressors, and in order to 
restrain and prevent the repetition of those things, powerful means are justi- 
fiable in many cases. 

And whereas, moderate and oidinary means have altogether failed to pro- 
duce the desired etfect in constraining said logs and timber in their trouble- 
some and mipardonable movements, 

Now, therefore, know ye all whom it may concern, That by the power 
vested in me and the pile-driver, and men which have been steadily employed 
in and about said bayou for some considerable time past, I do hereby declare 
said bayou in a state of rigid blockade, and I do interdict and prohibit all 
saw logs and timber now lying in and about said bayou from passing or 
attempting to pass the line of forces under my charge, now lyins at anchor 
or move across said bayou near the mouth thereof, and I do further order 
and direct that as soon as the ice shall be dissolved in said bayou, or be 
removed out of the way, that said logs and timber immediately remove from 
their strongholds in said bayou, where they are now seated and come forth- 
with directly into the boom prepared to receive them, near the steam mill 
above spoken of, there to be dealt with as may seem most to the interest of 
their proprietors or owners — hereby pledging myself that in case of a strict 
and due obedience to the above orders no more punishment shall be infflicted 
on any log than to slit it up in the ordinary way into lumber fit for market. 

And I do further order and direct that no undue influnce be made use of, 
by force or secretion, or in any other way whatever, to prevent the due sub- 
mission of said logs and timber as aforesaid, either by marsh grass, flags. 
cat-tails, wild-rice, or by floatings claims, (many of which have been ex- 
tremely active in said bayou during the high winds of last autumn), or by any 
seaweed or other vegetable substance whatever, but that they immediately 
uncover and relinquish said logs, that they may pop out from behind them, 
and immediately proceed to their place of destination as above directed. 

And I do further hereby interdict all connection and intercourse between 
said logs and timbers and the amphibious powers, to wit: such as bull-frogs, 
tad-poles, turtles, teiTapins, muscles and crawfish, and I do most especially 
prohibit said bull-frogs from clambering up said logs (much to the injury of 
thoir toe-nails), and then bellowing to the annoyance of the good citizens of 
Grand Haven and its visitors. I also expressly forbid turtles and terrapins 
from mounting said logs, and using them as a convenient place for making 
love in the sunshine by winking in each others faces; but that all and every 
one of the above named powers and anim;ils desist from such evil practices. 
and permit said logs and timber to float along peaceably and unmolested 
into the boom as above directed. 



GEAKD EIVEB VALLEY. 525 

Done in the office of the Bayou, on board the Pile Driver scow, this 25th 
day ofFebruaiy, A. D. 1838, and sealed with the hammer thereof. 

Rix Robinson, (i>. s.] 
Commander in Chief of all the forces in said bayou, 
T. W. White, [l. s.] 
Second in command, etc., etc., etc. 
Jonisr Beoabkidge, [l. s.] 
Admiral and Commander onboard the ship " Thump-Hard." 

THE first INDIAN TKADER. 

We are indebted to the Hon. Wm. M. Ferry for the following short sketch 
of Pierre Constant, the first Indian Trader of Ottawa county: 

"The first trader who located in what was Ottawa county — then embracing 
Muskegon county — was Pierre Constant, a Frenchman, of the type of that 
advance guard of pioneers — Marquette, LaSalle, Joliet and Tonti — who, two 
hundred years before, invaded and brought to the world the great Northwest.. 
He was of the chevalier order of men — brave, honorable and undaunted, 
amid all dangers. In 1810, he engaged with the British Fur Company, then 
having a depot at Mackinaw, as a trader; and with his supply of merchan- 
dise coasted along the shore of Lake Michigan, and estabUshed a trading 
post on Grand River, near what is now called Charleston; and anothev on the 
banks of Muskegon Lake. He married an Indian woman of remarkable 
beauty and intelligence, by whom six children were bom to him. Once a 
year, he, with his family and the results of his venture in furs and peltries, 
coasted down Lakes Michigan and Huron to Penatauquasliin, the Indian 
depot for Upper Canada. 

"The oldest of this family was a daughter, who inherited her mother's 
beauty, as well as the high qualities of the mind of the father; and this 
daughter, Louisa Constant, or "Lisette," as she was called, became her 
father's clerk when she was twelve years old; and was as well known for her 
wonderful faculties for business as she was for her personal attractions. In 
1828, when she was seventeen years old, her father died. She closed up his 
business with the British Fur Company, and engaged with the American Fur 
Company, at Mackinaw, receiving from them a large supply of merchan- 
dise; and for six years conducted the most successful trading establishment 
in the Northwest. She married Wm. Lasley, of Muskegon, also an Indian 
trader; and now, an aged widow, resides in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Her son, 
Henry S. Lasley, is one of the prominent merchants of Montague, Muskegon 
county." 

mason lumbering CO. SALT WELL, AT MUSKEGON. 

This company, with the view of testing the questions of finding salt or 
petroleum, sunk a well near the mill in Muskegon to the depth of 2,627 feet. 
The results were unsatisfactory, and they have only a deep hole to show for 
the expense they have incurred. A nearly saturated brine was obtained, but 
not in quantity to warrant the erection of works for the manufacture of salt. 
Petroleum in insignificant quantity was also obtained. 

Fi'om the following will be seen the character of the strata passed through: 



526 MEMORIALS OF THE 

WHOLE DEPTIT. 

Feet. 

BO feel sand. 

150 feet clay 

15 feet hard pan. . 

225 
400 feet sand and shale 

About 100 feet gray limestone and shale; the limestone light 

wlor; Ijalance dai-k gray limestone G2") 

775 feet blue shale with loosened soft streaks of same material 1,400 

At the depth of 1,225 feet, petroleum and gas showed themselves. 

150 feet solid blue shale 1,550 

350 feet solid red shale 1,700 

v300 feet lime rock and shale. 2,000 

50 feet salt-bearing rock, with streaks of sand from 1 to 4 feet thick. . 2,050 

50 feet light colored lime rock a-nd shale 2,100 

250 feet dark colored lime rock 2,350 

50 feet lime and g>"psum, gypsum and lime in strata from 4 to 6 feet. 2,400 

At this depth the boring was suspended; but after some yeai's 

was resumed, penetrating 227 feet further. For 145 feet 

through alternating lime and gypsum. The reinainder was 

through constantly changing rock, ending in dark lime .rock, 

loose and porous . . > 2,627 

It is to be regretted that a particular account of the strata was not pre- 
served. Imperfect as the record is, it has its scientific value. 

HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 

The imperfections of the harbors on the lakes was the great drawnback to 
Lake Commerce. The great difficulty was the obstruction of the entrances 
by constantly shifting and varying sand-bare. To-day the entrance might 
be good, but a storm on the lake might bar the entrance to-morrow. The 
United States, wisely appreciating the importanc? of good harbors on tlie 
lakes, has been liberal in their construction and improvement. As a history 
•of the improvements in this region, the writer has chosen to transfer to this 
work the reports published by authority of the Government, and furnished 
to the Government by S. M. Mansfield, Captain of Engineers. For the 
report we are under obligations to S. C. Mower, Assistant Engineer, 

MITSKEGON HARBOR, MICHIGAN, 

Or^n-al plan: It was recommended that an extension of the piers be 
made in a line of direction parallel t<i the inner face of south pier (south 
61 deg, 31 min. west), comm.encing at the present extremities, until a depth 
of 17 feet is reached. 

Requiring 700 feet of pier-work; estimated cost, $58,450. 

1867 and 186&.— During the ye^r 384 feet of pier was built (12 cribs), work 
having commenced in July, 1867. 

1868 and 1869.— During the year two cribs, 32 feet each, were placed in 
extension of the north, and one in extension of the south piers, and sujior- 
structure on all completed. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 627 

1869 and 1870. — The north pier was extended 320 feet, and south pier 
reballasted, and repairs to breach between east end of south pier, and old 
slab-pier repaired. 

1870 and 1871.— The superstructure over cribs sunk in 1869 was finished, 
and one crib, 32 feet square, placed as pier-head on north pier, and the north 
and south piers repaired; the south pier reballasted. 

Appropriated March 3. 1871, $15,000. 

1871 and 1872.— The construction of a pier-head, 82 feet square, with su- 
perstructure over it, and the two cribs sunk in 1869-70, left the north pier 
complete. A breach throug'h slab-pier, where it joined south Government 
pier, was closed with 34 feet pile-pier. 

Appropriated June 10, 1872, $10,000. 

1872 and 1873. — Under contract with Bird & Mickle the superstructure of 
north pier-head was re-built in October, 1872. During iiscal year there was 
accomplished'under this contract: Piling, two rows, complete, for 250 feet 
south pier: walling and binder on channel row, and first course of timber 
complete for 150 feet of pier. 

1873 and 1874.— 'The work under contract with Bird & Mickle was com- 
pleted September 30, 1873, by converting old slab-piers into pile-piers, 350 
feet on south and 250 feet on north side of channel, with necessary repairs. 

Statement of vessels entered and cleared at Muskegon Harbor during the year 

1876. 
Entered: number, 2,479; tonnage, 460,386; men, 19,700. 
Cleared: number, 2,570; tonnage, 462,44^:3; men, 20,001. 
An increase of about 30,000 tons over the last year. 

GRAND HAVEN HARBOR, MICHIGAN, 

Appropriated in 1852, $20,000, as per copy of letter to Senator Ferry, dated 
Office Chief of Engineers, June 23, 1873. As given in tabular statement 
accompanying report of Chief of Engineers, 1866, $2,000. 

Plan of improveiuent, (Golonel Graham, 1857) : 

To defend the concave bend in the southern shore of the river below the 
town by a close-piling, and to build two parallel piers out into the lake in 
prolongation of the river channel; the south pier by cribs for 600 feet. 

Appropriated June 2 5, 1866, $65,000. 

Of this amount, $11,241.22 was expended in repairing 309 feet of pile* pier 
on south side (built by railroad company in 1857). 

1866 and 1867.— Work commenced in June, 1867. Six cribs, each 32 feet, 
were placed in extension of south pier, and 500 feet close-piling constructed. 

Appropriated March 3, 1867, $40,000. 

1867 and 1868. ^During this year 1,943 feet of close piling was finished, 
and two cribs, 32 feet each, placed in extension of south pier. 

1868 and 1869. — The south pier was extended 100 feet, and old pile- work, 
interior to that part of same pier (D. and M. railroad), repaired in 1866, re- 
paired for a distance of 465 feet. 

1869 and 1870. — 461 feet of old pile-pier was repaired, inward from work of 
1863. A crib, 32 feet by 20 feet, was placed to protect the shoulder made by 
the pde-pier where it joined the erib-work. 



528 MEMOKIALS GF THE 

Appropriated July 11, 1870, $10,000. 

1870 and 1871. — During this year about 200 feet of old pier was repaired 
Appropriated March 3, 1871, $6,000. 

1871 and 1872. — During season 460 feet of repairs were completed. 

1872 and 1873. — During this year 700 feet pile-revetment, 14 feet wide, was 
constructed, to replace old work built by the railroad company: and repaii-s 
l)ut upon south pier, consisting of overhauling and replacing of filling and 
ballast, which had become displaced by heavy seas, putting in additional 
filling, and protecting pier-head crib with upright timbers, and piling and 
leveling superstructure. 

A break in pier under bell-house, and another at shore-line, were also 
repaired. 

Appropriated March 3, 1874, $75,000. 

1873 ar.d 1874. — The United States dredging apparatus had removed suffi- 
cient sand on the line of proposed north pier to enable the contractors, Messrs. 
Squier and White, to commence driving piles on the 7th July, 1873, under 
contract dated May 15, 1873, providing for the construction of the first three 
sections of north pier, 21 feet. 

The weather throughout the entire season was most favorable for outside 
work, and on the 29th of November the last pile of the revetment and close 
piling (1,506 linear fe^t of pier) was driven, much of the superstructure placed 
thpreon, 700 feet of the work filled wit-h slabs to the required height above 
water, and a cargo of stone placed on the filling at the pier-head, as com- 
pleted, to hold the filling in place through the winter. 

On the 8th of April, 1874, dredging was commenced on the line of the pro- 
posed 20-foot pile-pier, or outer section of north pier, and was conipleted 
June 18. On the 19th June the apparatus left this harbor for Ludington, 
having removed 45,488 cubic yards of sand in connection with this entire 
work. 
The original estimate for this harbor (1866) amounted to $299,011.70. 
There has been appropriated as follows: 

In 1852 $20,000 00 

In 1866 05.000 00 

In 1867 40,000 00 

In 1869 1,806 00 

In 1870 10,000 00 

In 1871 6,000 00 

In 1872 15,000 00 

In 1873 75,000 00 

In 1874 50,000 00 

282,866 00 
Transferred in 1870, Frankfort 1 .885 00 

Total 284,751 00 

Statement of vessels entered and cleared at Grand Ilavcn during the year 1874. 
Entered: number, 1,350; tonnage, 443,114. 
Cleared; number, 1,341; tonnage, 439,522. 



GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 529 

BLACK LAKE HAKBOR, MICHIGAN. 

The plan of improvement for this harbor was to extend north pier 250 feet, 
and south pier 275 feet, to bring them into 12 feet of water. At the entrance 
to Black Lake the channel to be close-piled for 1,125 feet on north and 425 
feet on south sides, to reach r2-foot curve. The channel between the piers 
(built by the citizens of Holland) and extensions to be dredged to a depth of 
12 feet, requiring the removal of about 80,000 cubic yards, to include 
removal of point of marsh through which sheet-piling will pass. 
Amount required to complete harbor, estimated : 

For dredging $28,935 33 

For piering 43,220 48 

For close-piling 15,745 23 

For sheet-piling 18,337 00 

Total 106,238 04 

Appropriated in 1866 55,615 31 

1866 and 1887. — Dredging was commenced August 6, 1867, and during 
season about 15,000 cubic yards material removed. Up to June 30, 1868, 
81,945 cubic yards sand was dredged in making required channel and 352 
feet pier built. 

Appropriated in 1867, $51,000. 

1871 and 1872. — During this season 640 feet of pile-revetment was com- 
pleted, 320 feet on each side of the cut inward from the ends of the old piers. 
The superstructure of 100 feet of crib-work at inner end of south pier (begun 
in 1870) was finished; also the pier-head crib to north pier. A protection 
of piles was constructed around the north pier-head. 

Appropriation of June 10, 1872, $10,000. 

1872-3. — 400 feet of revetment was built on north and south sides of chan- 
nel, and repairs put on both piers. A projection of the south revetment 90 
feet eastward, and of 328 feet of revetment, forming a wing to, and at an 
angle of 67 degrees 30 minutes soutli from the south revetment in Black 
Lake was made in 1873-4. 

The original estimate called for $106,238.04. There has been appropriated: 

In 1866 $55,615 31 

1 n ] 867 51 ,000 00 

In 1870 10,000 00 

In 1871 10.000 00 

In 1872 10,000 00 

In 1873 .- 12,000 00 

Li 1874 15,000 00 

Total 163,651 31 

Statement of vessels entered and cleared at the harbor of Black Lake during 

year 1874. 

Entered: number 500; tonnage, 31,340. 

Cleared: number, 500; tonnage, 31,449. 

The same numbei- of vessels as the year before, showing that a larger class 
of vessels make this port than formerly. 

34 



530 MEMORIALS OF THE 

MUSKEGON HARBOR, MICHIGAN. 

Under contract with Culbert & Hopkins, dated August 24, 1874, 135 feet 
of 14-tbot pile-revetment was built on north pier east of work built the pre- 
vious year, and one crib, 50 feet by 30 feet, was placed in extension of the 
south pier. 

During this fiscal year, under the contract with Thomas L. Rosser & Co.. 
150 feet, or three cribs, each 50 feet by 30 feet, will be placed in extension of 
the south pier. 

In the report for 1873, $56,000 was asked to extend south pier into the lake 
to 18 feet of water. Of this amount $10,000 was appropriated June 23, 187^1 , 
and was appHed to contract of 1874, and $25,000 was appropriated March 3, 
1875, which will be applied to contract of 1875; the balance of estimate. 
$21,000, is asked for, which can be profitably expended in the fiscal year end- 
ing June 30, 1877. 

Vessels entered and cleared from July 1, 1874, to July 1, 1875: 

Entered: number, 2,479; tonnage, 524,509. 

Cleared: number, 2,490; tonnage, 504,546. 

GRAND HAVEN, 1875. 
GRAND HAVEN HARBOR, MICHIGAN. 

Work und' r contract with Squier & White, which provided for the build- 
ing of 2,100 feet of pile revetment, close piling, and pile pier, was completed 
Auo-ust 29, 1874, in a most satisfactory manner. The filling was carefully 
placed, and, as a. result, the whole work is a secure revetment. 

The contract under appropriation of 1874, which provided for the building 
of 500 feet of pile revetment, 14 feet wide, prolonging the work of 1872 east- 
ward, and the building and sinking of six cribs, 50 feet by 30 feet, each, pro- 
lono'ing north pier, having been awarded to Squier & White, they commenced 
work immediately, and at the close of the year 1874, had completed the pile- 
work on the south side, save the placing of a few cords of slabs, and had 
sunk three cribs in the north pier extension. 

The 500 feet of revetment is now completed, and in excellent alignment 
and condition. All the cribs, six in number, are m position and filled, and 
the superstructure, excepting one course of timber, built over the first three. 
The last three of these cribs were built and sunk during the month of May 
last. In addition to the above, 13,530 cubic yards of sand and clay were 
removed by the contractors, in order to give a proper depth ot water over the 
ground lately occupied by the clay point upon which the old revetment stood; 
and in line of new work. 

Statement of vessels entered and cleared at Grand Haven Harbor, from Jnhi 
1, 1874, to June 30, 1875. 
Entered: number, 838; tonnage, 268,736. 
Cleared: number, 808; tonnage, 237,884. 
Note. — Daily steamboat from Chicago clears at Muskegon. 
Vessels enrolled at this place, 231; tonnage, 20,233. 

BLACK LAKE HARBOR, MICHIGAN. 

Under contract with Jan Van Dyk k Co.. dated August 25, 1874, which 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 531 

provided for the building' and sinking of thi-ee cribs, work commenced in 
September, 1874, and two cribs were placed and filled during the fall. In 
May, 1875, the third crib was sunk and filled, and by the end of the year the 
superstructure was completed over all. Two of these cribs were put in exten- 
sion of the south pier, and one in extension of the north pier. 

Under the appropriation approved March 3, 1875, $15,000 contract has 
been entered into with Thomas L. Rosser & Co., to build and sink three cribs, 
each 50 feet by 24 feet; two to be added to the north pier, and one to the 
south pier. 

Statement af vessels entered and cleared at Black Lake Harbor, Michigan, 
from July 1, 1874, to June 30, 1875. 
Entered: number, 303; tonnage, 24,392. 
Cleared: number, 310; tonnage, 24,809. 

LEGISLATIVE. 

IONIA COUNTY. 

1836. As a town attached to Kent. 

1837. Organized as a county with two towns, Ionia and Maple (tempo- 
rary); one and a half tiers of towns on the east side, to constitute Maple; 
the rest, Ionia. AH territory north attached for judicial purposes; the two 
organized. State road from Dexter to Lyons. 

1838. Boston setoff, and organized. Portland constituted a town; 5 and 
6 north of range 5 W., and 5 and 6 north of east half of range 6 W. Otisco 
constituted a town; T. 7 and 8 north, range 8 W. Cass, 5 and 6 N., 7 W., 
and half of 5 and 6 N., R. 6 W., and all that part of 7 N., R. 6 W., south 
of Grand River. State road from Kalamazoo to Ionia. 

1839. T. 5 N., R. 8 W., attached to Boston. 

1840. Lyons, name changed from Maple. Montcalm county, attached for 
judicial purposes. State road from Marshall to Ionia. 

1842. Berlin, name changed from Cass. Keene, what is east of Flat River, 
in T. 7 N., R . 8 W., made a town. Dam, in T. 7, N., R. 5 W., authorized. 

1843. Lyons, extended to take T. 9 and 10 N., R. 6 W. Easton, all 
north of Grand River in T. 7, N., R. 7, W., made a town. 

1844. North Plains organized, T. 8,9 and 10, N., R. 5 W., except what 
lies south of Maple River. Part of Boston annexed to Keene (north of Grand 
River). State road from Lyons to Grand Rapids. 

1845. Danby organized, T. 5, N.. R. 5 W. Orange orga.nized, T. 6, 
N., R. 6, W. Sebewa organized, T. 5, N., R. 6 W. Ronald organized, T. 
8, N"., R. 6 W. 

1845. State roads — Marshall to Ionia; Lyons to Ada; Kalamazoo to Ionia. 

1846. Orieans organized, T. 8, N. 7 W. Odessa organized, T. 5, N. 7 W. 
Keene annexes Sees. 7 and 18 from Otisco. Keene, part of south of Grand 
River adled to Boston. Ionia county supervisors authorized to build a 
bridge at Lyons; 2,000 acres appropriated. 

1848. Ionia enlarged by detachments from Lyons and Berlin. 

1849. Keene — a fraction set off" to Otisco. Otisco — fraction added from 
Keene. Boston — the part of Keene south of the river added. Keene — the 



532 MEMOKIALS OF THE 

part of south of the river attached to Boston. Bridge at Lowell— super- 
visors authorized to construct a free bridge. Lyons — part of plat vacated. 
Campbell organized, 5 N., 8 W. Fraction of Keene added to Otisco. Bos- 
ton adds so much of T. 8 as lies north of Grand River, set off from Keene. 

1859. Muir— name changed from Montrose. Boston — village, changed 
to " Saranac." Lyons — act to incorporate legalized. 

1863. Ionia — name changed from " Ionia County Saat." 

1865. Hubbardston, new plat legaUzed. 

1867. Lyons village incorporated. North Plains adds that portion of 
Lyons cutoff by Maple River. Lyons loses the above to North Plains. 

1869. Portland chartered as a village; Saranac chartered as a village. 

1871. Muir incorporated; Hubbardston incorporated; Pewamo incor- 
porated. 

KENT COUNTY. 

1836. The county organized with Ottawa, Ionia and Clinton attached for 
judicial purposes; Byron organized, T. 5 and 6, N. R. 12 and 13 W. State 
Roads — Kalamazoo (Bronson) to Grandville; Grandville to Black River. 

1837. All north of Kent and Ottawa counties not included in any organ- 
ized county, attached for judicial purposes. Tollbridge chartered at Gi:and 
Rapids; Ionia county detached, and all territory north; authorized ta bor- 
row $10,000 for a court house. 

1838. Ada organized, towns 5, 6 and 7, N. R. 10 W. ; Plainfield, all of 
the townships 8 N., ranges 10 and 11 W., north of Grand River; Walker, 
including all north; Vergennes, towns 5, 6, 7 and 8, N. R. 6 "W.; Grand 
Rapids' village, incorporated; railroad, G. R. & Port Sheldon; State Road 
from Grand Rapids to Muskegon. 

1839. Paris, Towns 5 and 6, N. R., 11 W. Courtland, T. N. 10 W. Grand 
Rapids, $25,000 appropriated for canal and the rapids. State road from Kal- 
amazoo to Grand Rapids. 

1840. $5,000 appropriated to continue the work at the Salt Springs, on 
Grand River. Newaygo and Macosta counties attached for judicial purposes. 
County enlarged, by attaching two tiers of towns at the north. Caledonia 
organized, 5 N. R. 9 and 10 W. State Roads: Clinton to Grand Rapids; 
Eaton county to Grand Rapids; Hastings to Grand Papids. 

1841. Courtland extended; takes T. 9, N. 9 W. 

1842. Grand Rapids, name changed from Kent. Salt Springs; Grand 
Rapids and Midland, $15,000 appropriated. 

1843. Bridge at Ada; supervisors authorized to tax the county $1,000. 

1844. Fi'ee Bridge at Grand Rapids; 6,000 acres appropriated. Academy 
at Grand Rapids chartered. State road from Lyons to Grand Rapids. State 
road from Gull Prairie to Grand Rapids. 

1845. State roads — Barry county to Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids to Mus- 
kegon River; Greenville to Grand Haven; Grand Rapids to Muskegon Lake. 

1846. Grand River Valley Railroad chartered from Grand Rapids to Jack- 
son. Newaygo county attached to Kent; Vergennes organized as a town, 
except 11 N. 16 W., which is attached to Muskegon. Sparta, 9 and 10, R. 
12 W, organized; Plainfield hiis 9 N. 11 W. added, detcched from Court:- 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 533 

land; Grattan, T. 8, N. 9 W., set off from Vergennes and organized; Church- 
town, 8 N. 10 W., organized. 

1847. The supervisors authorized to construct a canal around the rapids; 
25,000 acres of land appropriated; Alpine, T. 8, N. 12 W., organized; 
Wabesis organized (legislative mistake). Plainfield has added to it what of 
Town 8 lies south of Grand Rapids; Battle Creek and Grand Rapids railroad 
charter amended; Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids R. R. chartered; Cannon 
(changed from Churchtown). 

1848. Lowell, T. 6, N. 9 W. set off from Vergennes. Wyoming, 6 N. 
12 W. set off from Byron and made a town. Gaines, 5 N. 11 W. set off from 
Paris, and organized as a town. Wabesis, name changed back to Courtlfind : 
and T. 10, N. 9 and 10 W. attached. Cascade, 6 N. 10 W. detached from 
Ada, and became a town (all south of Grand River). Free bridge at Plain- 
field (1,000 acres of land appropriated.) Kent County received 3,000 acres 
of land for bridges; 1,000 for Plainfield; 1,000 for Ada; 400 for Thornapple 
River and 600 for Cascade Bridge; Grand Rapids charter amended. Plank 
Road, Grand River, chai'tered. 

1849. County seat to be located by Commissioners, appointed by the 
Governor. Algoma organized; set off from Plainfield, T. 9, N. 11 W. 
Bowne set off from Caledonia and organized T. 5, N. 9 W. Lowell bridge 
authorized. Oakfield set off from Courtland, and made a town — T. 9, N. 9 W. 

1850. Plank road chartered from Gi-and Rapids to Kalamazoo. Grand 
Rapids city charter amended. Kent county seat to be determined by Com- 
missioners. St. Mark's College chartered. 

1851. Newaygo detached, and organized; Grand Rapids charter 
amended. 

1852. Grand Rapids charter amended. 

1855. Act relative to improving Grand River (canal given up). Grand 
Rapids charter amended. Grand Rapids — act for improving the rapids with 
the unexpended balance of the appropriation. State road from Grand 
Rapids to Grand Traverse. 

1857. 5,000 acres of land appropriated for the improvement of Flat 
River. Lowell Village — name changed from Danville. Grand Rapids char- 
ter revised. 

1859. Lowell Village incoi-poration legalized. (It had before been incor- 
porated by the Supervisors.) Grand Rapids charter amended. 

1861. Lowell incorporated. Act to quiet titles in Kent county on account 
of loss by the fire. Grand Rapids charter amended. Kent county — act to 
quiet titles. 

1863. Grand Rapids charter amended. 

1864. Grand Rapids authorized to pledge its credit to the Jackson and 
Indiana Railroad. 

1865. Scranton's Abstracts made prima facie evidence of title; Lowell 
incorporated (village). 

1867. 3,000 acres appropriated for the improvement of Flat River. 

1869. Lowell authorized to re-survey; Lisbon village chartered; Cale- 
donia re-organized. 

1870. Cedar Springs incorporated. 

1875. Grand Rapids' Superior Court established. 



534 MEMOEIALS OF THE 

OTTAWA COUNTY. 

1836. State road from Grand Haven to Allegan. 

1837. County organized witb three towns — Talmadge, Ottawa and Mus- 
kegon; the act dates Dec. 29th, 1837. 

1838. Talmadge, 7 and 8, N. R. 13 W. 

1838. Ottawa county, organized and divided into three towns — Ottawa, 
Muskegon and Talmadge, by a line between, towns 8 and 9; Port Sheldon 
& Grand Rapids railroad chartered. 

1839. Talmadge enlarged, towns 7 and 8, R. 14; Geoi'getown organized, 
towns 5 and 6, N. R. 13 and 11 W.; Norton organized, 8 N., 15 and 16 W., 
north of Grand River, and south half of N. 15 and 16 W.; all north 
attached for judicial purposes. 

1842. Georgetown has added to it the part of Talmadge, south of the 
Grand River. Tahnadge loses the same. Talmadge, the part of T. 7, N., 
R. 14 W. set off to Ottawa. Ottawa gains the same. Talmadge, what part 
of Georgetown is north of Grand River is attached. Georgetown loses the 
same. 

1845. Polkton constituted, T. 5, 6, 7 and 8, N., R. 14 W. Georgetown 
enlarged by adding some fractional sections. State roads, Grand ville to 
Grand Haven. Norton added certain fractions. 

1846. Georgetown, T. 5 and 6 N., R. 14 W., added. Polkton loses the 
same. Polkton, part of T. 7, N., R. 14 W., south of Grand River, detached. 
Ottawa gains the above. 

1847. Wright organized, set off from Talmadge, T. 7, N., R. 13 W. 
Georgetown, what is north of Grand River, set off. Talmadge gains the 
same. Holland organized, T. 5, N. 19, 15, 16 W. 

1848. Chester set off from Wright. Holland, T. 5, N., R. 14, 15, 16, 
for one year attached to Ottawa. 

1849. Crockery, constituted a town, T. 5, N., R. 15 W., except what is 
south of Grand River. Port Sheldon, plat vacated. Allendale organizrd, T. 
5 and 6 N., R. 14 W., and the part of T. 7, south of Grand River. Spring 
Lake, organized of several fractions. Holland organized. Ravenna organ- 
ized, T. 7 N, R. 16 W. Jamestown organized. T. 7, N., R. 13 W. State 
road from T. 8. N., R. 16 W. ,to Muskegon Lake. 

1850. Holland adds T. 5, N., R. 14 W. from Allendale. Spring Lake, 
part of T. 7 N. R. 15 W. added. 

1851. Zeeland, by supervisors. Chester, T. 10. N. R. 13 W., attached. 

1852. Casnovia organized. 

1854. Blendon organized. 

1855. Eastman, from T. 6, N. 16 W. and 6, N. 15 W.; Holland adds T. 

6, N. 15 W. from Ottawa; Norton organized from T. 9,N. 17 W. and T. 

7, N. 15, 16 W. 

1856. Robinson organized. 

1857. Olive organized; Lamont. name changed from Middlebury; canal 
in Muskegon River declared a public highway; Muskegon improvement, 
act for. 

1858. Holland authorized to levy taxes for improving the harbor; Mus- 
kegon improvement act amended. 



geAjstd kivee valley. 535 

1859. Muskegon county established. 

1861. Muskegon and other counties authorized to levy a harbor tax; 
Muskegon River improvement ; Muskegon incorporated. 

1863. Grand Haven, name changed from Ottawa; Holland Harbor act 
amended. 

1864. Grand Haven authorized to pledge its credit to the railroad from 
Xew Buffalo; Muskegon authorized to pledge its credit for a railroad to 
connect with the D. & M. 

1865. Black Lake harbor appropriation; Holland may aid Black Lake 
harbor; Muskegon improvement; Muskegon for constructing free bridge. 

1866. Oceana T. 12, N. 17 W., and the part of 11 N. 17 W., lying north 
of White Lake. Blue Lake— T. 12, N. 16 W., organized. Wliite Lake- 
all that part of 11 N., 17 W., south of White Lake and T. 11, N. 16 W., 
organized and called Dalton. Ottawa county allowed two Representatives. 
Muskegon county allowed one Representative. Black Lake Harbor appro- 
priation. Holland authoiized to establish a rate of tolls for the improvement 
of the harbor. Laketon organized, T. 10, N. 17 W. 

1867. Grand Haven City chartered; Holland City chartered. Holland 
authorized to resm-vey. Spiing Lake — name changed from Mill Point. 
White Hall — name changed from Mears and incorporated. 

1871. Fruitport — name changed from Lovell. Holton — 12 N., 15 W., 
organized. The east 18 sections detached from Norton and added to Fruit- 
port. 

1872. Grand Haven charter amended. 

SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 

List of Senators and and Representatives to the State Legislature from 
the counties of Ionia, Kent. Ottawa, and Muskegon, from 1836 to 1860, 
inclusive. By the courtesy of Hon. E. G. D. Holden, Secretary of State. 

IONIA COUNTY. 

Roswell Britton, Rep. in 1836 for the counties of Clinton, Ionia, Kent 

(See list for Kent Co. for 137-8-9.) Ottawa. 
Digby V. Bell, Rep. in 1840, for Ionia, Kent and Ottawa Counties. 

(See list for Kent Co. for 1841.) 
George W. Dexter, Rep. in 1842 " " " " " 

(See list for Kent Co. for 1843-4.) 
Adam L. Roof, Rep. in 1845 " " " 

John L. Morse, Rep. in 1846 " " " " " 

Alexander F. Bell, Rep. in 1847 for Ionia County. 
Ananias Worden, Rep. in 1848 " •' " 
Adam L. Roof, Sen. in 1849-50 " 

Cyrus Lovell, Rep. in 1847 " " " 

Frederick Hall, Rep. in 1850 " " " 

L). L. Case, Rep. in 1851-2 " " " 

Chas. Ingalls, Rep. in_1853-4 " " " 

.T. H. Beckwith, Sen. in'l855-6 " " '* 

Cyrus Lovell, Rep. in 1(555-6 " " " 

G. W. Germain, Rep. in 1857-8 " 



536 



MEMOEIALS OF THE 



Alonzo Sessions, 
Osmond Tower, 
Almeron Newman, 
Alonzo Sessions, 



John Almy, 

John BaU, Rep. in 1838, 

Noble H. Finney, Rep. in 1839, 

(See Ionia county list for 1840.) 
Henry P. Bridge, Sen. in 1841, 
Charles I. Walker. Rep. in 1841, 
Digby V. Bell, Sen. in 1842-3, 

(See Ionia county list for 1842.) 
Simeon M. Johnson, Rep. in 1843, 
Wm. A. Richmond, Sen. in 1844-5, 
Thomas W. White, Rep. in 1844, 

(See Ionia county list for 1845-6.) 
Silas G. Hams, 
Charles H. Taylor, 
Rix Robinson, 



Rep. in 1857-8 for Ionia County. 

Sen. in 1859-60 '' 

Rep. in 1879-60 " 

Rep. in 1859-60 " " " 

KENT COUNTY. 

Rep. in 1837, for Ionia, Kent and Ottawa counties. 



Rep. in 1847-8, for Kent and Ottawa counties. 
Rep. in 1848. " 



Henry Smith, 
Henry Pennoyer, 
Philo Beers, 
* Silas G. Harris, 
Thos. B. Church, 
*Thos. W. Ferry, 
Truman H. Lyon, 
Henry C. Smith, 
Dewitt Shoemaker, 
W. D. Foster, 
Thos. B. Church, 
Smith Lapham, 
Smith Lapham, 
Lewis Porter, 



Sen. in 1849-50, 
Rep. in 1849, 
Rep. in 1849, 
Rep. in 1850, 
Rep. in 1850, 
Rep. in 1851-2, 
Rep. in 1851-2, 
Sen. in 1853-4, 
Rep. in 1853-4, 
Rep. in 1853-4, 
Sen. in 1855-6, 
Rep. in 1855-6, 
Rep. in 1855-6, 
Sen. in 1857-8, 
Rep. in 1857-8, 



Kent county. 



Francis W. Kellogg, Rep. in 1857-8, 



Volney Caukin, 
Lewis Porter, 
Geo. W. AUen, 
S. S. Fallass, 
M. C. Watkins. 

Hiram Jennison, 
M. L. Hopkins, 
Robert W. Duncan, 
Thos. W. Ferry, 
E. W. Merrill,' 



Rep. in 1857-8, *' 
Sen. in 1859-60, " 
Rep. in 1859-60, " 
Rep. in 1859-60, " 
Rep. in 1859-60, " 

OTTAWA COUNTY. 

Rep. in 185-3-4, for Ottawa county. 

Sen. in 1855-6, " 

Rep. in 1855-6, " 

Sen. in 1857-8, " " " 

Rep. in 1857-8, " " " 



♦Resident of Ottawa county. 



GRAND RIVEK VALLEY. 



537 



Henry Pennoyer, Sen. in 1859-60, for Ottawa county. 
James Dalton, Jr., Rep. in 1859-60, " " *' * 

MUSKEGON COUNTY. 

Was organized in 1859. First election of Representative and county offi- 
cers held in Dec, 1860. 
Chauncy Davis, Rep. in 1861-2, from Muskegon county. 

PKRSONS IN THE GRAND RIVEK VALLEY WHO HAVE HELD PROMINENT 
OFFICES IN THE STATE. 

Edward L. Mundy, Lieutenant Governor, 1855-9; also Judge of the Cu-- 
cuit Court. 

George Martiu, Circuit Judge and Chief Justice. 

Chaa-les H. Taylor, E. G. D. Holden, Secretaries of State. 

Albert Williams, Byron D. Ball, Attorney-Generals. 

Lewis Lovell, S. G. Harris, Birney Hoyt, Flavins J. Littlejohn, Circuit 
Judges. 

Henry H. Holt, Alonzo Sessions, Lieutenant Governors. 

1855. CjTUS Lovell, of Ionia, was Speaker of the House. 

1850. Silas G.Harris was Speaker of the House. Francis Kellogg was mem- 
ber of Congress from 1859 to 1865. Thomas W. Ferry was member of Con- 
gress from 1865 — two terms; elected a third time, but did not sei^ve; pro- 
moted to tbeU. S. Senate, 1871; was President joro ^ew., 1866. 

1865. L. S. Withey, Judge W. Dist. U. S. C. Osmond Taver, U. S. 
Marshal. 

1865. Geo. Martin, Chief Justice. Thomas D. Gilbert, Regent of Uni- 
versity 

POPULATION OF THE GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 

IONIA COUNTY. 



Berlin 

Boston 

Campbell 

Danby 

Easton 

Ionia 

Ionia City. . . 

Keene 

Lyons 

N. Plains ... 

Odessa 

Orange 

Orleans 

Oisco ... . . . 

Portland 

lioiiald 

Sebewa 

Total 



1874 



1,659 
1,898 
1,179 
1,140 
1,164 
1,496 
3,251 
1,202 
2,843 
1.803 
1,087 
1,341 
1,423 
1,684 
2,596 
1.324 
1,291 

28,376 



1870 



1,587 
1,916 
1,120 
1,176 
1,401 
4,158 

l',271 

2,855 
1,976 
959 
1.382 
1,426 
1,570 
2,353 
1,356 
1,139 

27,675 



1864 



1,152 
1,391 

598 

529 

922 

2,359 

1425 

1,927 

1,187 

559 

826 

1,068 

1,355 

1,531 

824 

631 

17,984 



1860 1854 



1,026 
1,244 

518 

727 

837 

1,926 

1,150 

1.949 

921 

488 
801 
857 
1,:349 
1,381 
893 
598 

16,665 



570 
635 

228 

452 

611 

1.129 

'813 
981 
549 
225 
692 
684 
1,331 
1,036 
670 
331 

10,727 



1850 



391 
421 

262 

397 

774 

737 
850 
292 
81 
378 
491 
1,018 
763 
452 
247 

7,597 



1845 



348 
241 

m 

278 
654 

390 

705 
264 

348 

607 
664 
201 
100 

5,101 



538 



MEMOKIALS OF THE 
KENT COUNTY. 



Ada 

Alfifoma. . . 
Alpine . . . 
Bowne . . . 
IByron .... 
Cannon.. . 
Caledonia . 
Cascade. . . 
Courtland 
Gaines . . . 
(« rattan. . . 
G. K lipids. 
G. R. City 

Lowell 

Nelson . . . . 
Oakfield.. 

Paris 

PlainHold., 
Sparta ... 
Spencer. . . 

Solon 

Tyrone . . . 
Verg:cnnes 
Walker. . . 
Wyoming' 

Total.. 



1874 



1,851 
2,591 
IMS 
1.240 
1,504 
1,205 
1.6^0 
1.050 
1,287 
1,278 
1.250 
1.941 
25.928 
2,826 
2,861 
1,080 
1,816 
1,499 
1.587 

662 
1,810 

866 
1.129 
i;884 
2,008 



62,671 



1870 



1,427 
1,959 
1,44.5 
1,275 
1,828 
1,205 
1,599 
1,157 
1,;340 
1.205 
1,298 
1,651 
16,508 
8.086 
1,102 
1,092 
l,54;-{ 
1,499 
1.666 
580 
911 
780 
1,842 
1,675 
1,787 



50,410 



1864 



1,094 
992 

1,194 
814 

1,145 

1,142 
928 
940 

i,ms 

961 
1,141 

1,058 

8,772 

1,417 

4.80 

912 

1,448 

1,126 

1,082 

209 

891 

257 

1,210 

1,279 

1,195 



38,4.58 



1860 



1,116 

998 

1,248 

745 

1.042 

1,061 

762 

808 

957 

868 

1,127 

1.0-21 

8,090 

1,200 

461 

1.079 

1.:'.27 

1,240 

941 

398 

178 

1,347 

1,480 

1,289 



80,721 



18.54 



746 
570 
861 
857 
687 
S74 
.801 
526 
708 
.515 
800 
872 
4,278 
478 

648 

789 
807 
531 



1,042 
7.56 

788 



17,869 



1850 



598 
288 
618 

809 
696 
99 
858 
406 
319 
648 
461 
2,686 
214 

645 
.521 
659 
809 



876 
823 
543 



12,016 



1845 



497 

493 
i27 
400 

i,5i6 



485 
565 



850 
1,122 



6,049 



OTTAWA COUNTY. 



Allendale 

Blendon 

Chester 

Crockery 

Georgetown 

Holland 

Holland City 

Olive 

Grand Haven 

(irand Haven City. 

Polkton 

Robinson 

•Tamestowni 

Spring Lake 

Talmadge 

Wright 

Zeeland 

TOTAI, 



1874 


1870 


;864 


1860 
245 


18-54 
196 


1850 
168 


1845 


762 


799 


298 




689 


718 


276 


381 


85 






1,397 


1.405 


1,034 


721 


.500 


216 




1,124 


1.125 


574 


896 


275 


247 




1,464 


1,474 


918 


973 


457 


196 


133 


2,716 


2,:3.54 


2,777 


1,991 


985 


1,829 




2.469 


2,324 












1,2.57 


612 


41.3 


317 








677 


558 


1,.576 


1,359 


684 




3.50 


4.368 


3,140 












2.267 


2,416 


1,242 


1,222 


570 


430 


321 


528 


406 


126 


128 








1,806 


1,612 


708 


519 


204 


72 




2Mb 


1,886 


844 


743 


6-55 


268 


98 


1.475 


1,4.51 


1,093 


1,145 


746 


545 




2,064 
2,576 


2,077 
2,.34:3 


1,.584 
1,693 


1,520 
1,467 


868 
912 


521 


551 




29,929 


26,6-50 


1.5.1.J6 


13.077 


6,809 


4.835 


1,200 



GRAND RIVEK VALLEV. 



530 



MUSKEGON COUNTY. 



( "iu^novia 

l>alton 

Kj,'<rU'son 

Moorliinil 

Mi.skoj;on . . . . 
Muskffroii City 

Xniton 

' )(t'iina 

Hiivcnini 

Wliitx' Hiver . . 
("fihir Cieek. . . 

Bint; Liik.' 

Fniitiiind 

Fniitport 

Holton 

Lakc'ton 

Molltili^'lll! 

WhiteluiU 

Total 



1874 


1870 


1864 


1860 


1854 


1850 


1845 


1,529 


1,093 


667 


605 








425 


401 


674 


243 








317 


2:« 


153 


29 








213 


194 


128 


105 








545 


401 


2,712 


2-^5 


980 


484 


iii) 


8,505 


6,001 




1,44^ 








392 


68.8 


229 
111 


197 
214 








9:J4 


1,035 


429 


393 


655 


268 


q^ 


700 


1,452 


54:3 


374 


789 


.... 




2>»1 


660 


166 










297 


381 


.... 










208 


22S 


.... 


. > ■ • 








378 


167 


.... 


. . r • 








620 




.... 


. • • . 








1,332 


1,6:39 










.... 


1,360 


.... 




.... 








1,323 















19,375 


14,892 


5,812 


3,893 


2,424 


752 


217 



540 MEMOKIALS OF THE 



THE LUMBER INTEREST. 

The saw mills of the lake region are justly the pride of tlie 
people, unsurpassed by any in the world. " In good old sash- 
saw times," fiv^e hundred feet of pine boards in an hour, was 
the best work of the crack mills of Maine — then the great 
lumber State, About 1840, the cumbrous sash was in some 
mills abandoned, and by degrees the simple attachment of the 
saw, running in guides, directly to the pitman, was a great 
improv^ement in speed of action, and economy of power. About 
1850, small circulars, with automatic arrangements for setting 
began to be used for narrow lumber. But these " siding ma- 
chines" had their day; being superseded by the large circu- 
lars and niachiner}' for edging and splitting lumber. Like tlie 
"sash" the "siding machine" is a matter of history. The 
Mulay, the gang and the circular are now the machines used. 
The Mulay is principally used as an appendage to the circulars 
and gangs, to prepare logs for their use. 

A vast amount of inventive genius has been brought to bear 
upon the secondary operations, which can only be appreciated 
by a visit to one of the first class mills. The result is, a log 
enters the mill; is handled with but little apparent respect, 
but withal very scientifically; and in two or three minutes is 
out in the shape of lumber, cord-wood and saw-dust. 

It is dangerous to go East and tell the truth about the 
Michigan saw-mills. To illustrate: Some short time since, 
Hoyt G. Post, a well known citizen, was with his relatives 
in New England, and to them described the Michigan saw 
mills. A good old uncle was grieved at the degeneracy of 
Hoyt. He said to his family: " I always thought Hoyt a boy 
of truth; but he has been telling us only a string of outrageous 
lies." Just tell one who has not seen it, that at Cutler & 
Savidge's mill, one saw cut nine sixteen-foot boards, sixteen 



GEAND EIVER VALLEY. 541 

inelies wide, in a minute, and the inan will signal to yon, ask- 
ing if 3'ou " see anything green " in him. Why, only sixteen 
years ago, the writer felt he was telling a big story when he 
said in the same Yankee land, that he had seen a six-foot cir- 
cular cut fifty feet in a minute. There are those who believe 
that Cutler & Savidge's best will yet look as small as that 
fifty feet does now. 

I.IMBER PRODUCT OF THE WES=rr SHORE OF MICHIGAN" DURING 1876. 

The following summary of the lumber cut in 1875 and 1876 
is condensed from the Lumberman's Gazette: 

Grand Rapids — 8 mills of capacity of from 2,000,000 to 
J«,000,000; 1875, 39,000,000; 1876, 40,000,000. 

Muskegon— 21 mills; capacity from 2,000,000 to 25,000,- 
(tOO; 1875, 303,000,000; 1876, 290,000,000. 

Montague— 7 mills; 1875, 51,000,000; 1876, 52,000,000. 

Whitehall— 5 mills; 1875, 51,000,000; 1876, 52,000,000. 

Spring Lake and Grand Haven— 16 mills; 1875, 88,000,- 
000; 1876, 5!>,'i 10,000. 

Other places— 1875, 31,000,000; 1876, 25,000,000. 

This is exclusive of the country mills for local supply. 

The question is already agitating the mind of the political 
economist: " IIow long will this last? and what will be the 
final result?" At the rate the lumber is disappearing we know 
the f*upply will run low in a part of a century, variously 
figured. Until recently the cut-over pine lands were deemed 
worthless, or nearly so. In other places in this work will be 
found what people arc doing with those lands; time will 
develop what they will do. This much it is safe to say — the 
lands will be occupied for agricultural pui'poses. Much of the 
soil is good for general farms, and what vms supposed to be 
worthless sand is the " Fruit Belt" on the lake shore. We 
will not croak over the future. There are mines of wealth in 
the woods of Michigan. When those are no longer relied on 
we have the 80il of Michigan. 

Already there is coming up another interest, dependent on 
forest supply, the manufacture of articles constructed of hard 
wood. This interest will increase as the pine diminishes. 



54^ MEMOKIALS OF THE 

We have not as yet to any great extent the manufacture of 
cotton, wool, and leather. These will coine along. 

Our infancy of occupation in the Grand River Valley is 
past. The youthful years, dependent on stripping the virgin 
forest, in the main are passed; we shall soon settle down iut(» 
the habits of older communities, relying on the soil, on com- 
merce and manufactories, wliich bring steady habits in theii- 
train. At present, God speed the saw-mill. 

The probability is, that the lumber interest never will 
increase. Its immensity as a business may be seen from the 
statistics preceding. 

Muskegon county may be said to rest upon lumber; and it 
is the life of Grand Haven and Spring Lake. 

The business furnishes winter employment to a great num- 
ber of men, cutting logs up the streams. It also employs 
nuiiiy vessels for its transportation. 

A brief sketch of the history of l»oard-inaking may not be 
without its interest. 

AVith the ancients, a whole tree was used to form one board, 
which was made by hewing off" the surplus timber. 

Next comes the saw, operated by two men— one above, and 
l.he other below the log; as may be seen now in a sliip-yard. 
Then the operation of the saw by water, with a saw strained 
in a heavy sash, or, in other words, the "sash saw-mill." 
About 1840, it was found that the sa^h might be dispensed 
with, and we had the Mulay mill. 

About 1857, the big circular began to be used, which has in 
the main superseded all other saws. 

By degrees, minor improvements have been introduced to 
facilitate the various operations. 

The result is, a log is treated with very little respect in a 
saw-mill of the present day. In one or two minutes from 
entering, it is out of the mill. 

The capacity of a good saw-mill in tlie '' good old times," 
was 800 to 1,000 feet per day. In the '* crack mills" in Maine, 
1840, it was 500 feet per hour — the best mills in the world. 
In one of Cutler and Savidge's mills, in 1874, 215 feet were 
cut with one saw in a minute. 



GRANT) KirER VALLKT, 5:1-3 

Tlie next i^reatest iinpi-ovoineiit is the set of adjustable sau's* 
for splittini^ boards into strips, or edi^^ing them. Tiiis origin- 
ated witli ^fr. Powers, of (Ti-and Twajtids. 

It Would sL-eni that the saw-mill has arrived near to its perfec- 
tion. There seems to be but one thincj left for inventive erenins 
to work u[)on for its im])rovement. Cannot macliinery be in- 
vented that will lessen the amount of the log that goes into 
sawdust? We liave expedition that should satisfy any (►ne; 
but cannot the logs be made to j'ield more lumber? It is well 
known they can, but other considerations liave overrode that 
a]>j)arent economy. Cannot that economy be made consistent, 
with other interests? The answer of experience thus far is in 
the negiitive. It is desirable that that shall not be the linai 
iUiswL'i". It is a melancholy sight to see one-fourth of a loff. 
whose boards would be worth $40 per thousand, croin"' into 
sawdust. Inventive genius will yet ameliorate the sad afflic- 
tion of that log. 



GYP8UM. 

An immense intei^st ha.s been, since 1842, in process of development below 
Grand Rapids. It was early known that g'ypsum, or piaster, existed at a 
point three miles below the rapids; the borinj?s at the early salt-wi-lls con- 
firmed tlie fact that the deposit waa extensive. Subsequent explorations have 
shown that it is practically inexhaustible, and that over a larjre amount of 
territory it may be worked, if desirable. It is found on both sides of tln' 
river; on the left bank appearing as the surface rock, covei'ed only by th«-- 
drift; on the riprht bank at the b;ise of the blutf, under the drift and some oO 
feet of superincumbent rock. At and above Gi'andville it is found, as at 
Plaster Creek, near the surface. 

The section of the blull on the right bank, three miles below Grand Ra|p- 
ids. shows: 

1. Loam and yellow clay; 2. Blue claj'. 4 feet ; 3. Water lime and clay 
slate, 4 feet; 4. Clay slate, 4 feet; 5. Plaster, 8 inches; 6. Clay slate. 2 
feet. 7. Plaster, thin stratum; 8. Clay slate, 3 feet; 9. Water lime. 1 foot ; 
10. Clay slate, 4 feet; 11. Planter, 7 feet; 12. Clay slate, 1 foot; 13. Plas- 
ter, 13 feet. 

On the left bank of the river, the seven foot stratum is at, or near the sur- 
face; generally very much dissolved away. 

The borings at Grand Rapids show what is thought to be the seven foot 
;vnd the thirteen foot beds— the first at the depth of sixty-three feet, and the 



544r MEMOKIALS OF THE 

othei- at seventy-four. Continuing the descent, several other strata of gyp- 
sura are penetrated. 

How far south and west workable gypsum may be found is problematical. 
Tlie article itself may be found anywhere between the Grand and Muskegon 
Kivers. Whether it will pay to open quarries or not, depends on the amount 
of stripping, and the chance for draining. 

On the right bank it is wrought by mining; on the left bank by open 
quarries. 

As it is supposed they will be their own monument, we will not enter into 
an extended description of the unique geological relations of the beds, or 
describe their mineral contents; but pass directly to their history. 

It is believed that Houghton, the State Geologist, was the first to call 
attention to the gypsum at Plaster Creek, and to predict its future commercial 
value. 

Although it needed no prophetic wisdom to foreknow that the gypsum 
which had been discovered, would give rise to an extensive and lucrative 
business, yet it was a hazardous enterprise to undertake the development of 
it. The two articles of commercial value prepared fr jm it — land plaster and 
stucco — are little wanted in a new.country. The virgin soil of the West needs 
no fertilizer for a series of years ; and there is little use for stucco in a country 
where the farmers live in log houses, and the villag^^rs from sheer necessity, 
must build cheap residences, and be content with simplicity. 

Notwithstanding, enterprise early took hold of it. Daniel Ball, that man 
whose deathless enterprise was the life of the Valley as long as his strength 
and intellect held out, commenced operations in this line in 1842; having 
secured a ten years' lease of a piece of land at Plaster Creek. Of course, his 
operations were small, nnd of them we have no statistics. He afterwards 
sold out his lease to a kindred spirit, Henry R. WilHams, who did much to 
create a market for the article. After a time, the property passed into the 
liands of E. B. Morgan. For several years the mill at the Creek was the 
only one; and that was a small concern. Yet the success that attended it, 
and the increasing demand, waked others to the value of the gypsum deposit, 
and started their enterprise. 

Mr. Butterworth, from indications which he observed, was satisfied of the 
existence of plaster on the other side of the river; and bought land solely 
with reference to it. He was without capital, and could make no develop- 
ments of the interest he had until 1849. He then, by opening through the 
superincumbent rock, laid bare the thurteen foot stratum, and, on a small 
scale, commenced operations. He put up a little mill for grinding, on the 
little brook north of the present work. That mill, or the remnants of it, are 
still to be seen. 

Soon after Butterworth had shown that a great bed of gypsum was there 
three other men, Adin Hinds, John Courtney and Jacob Winsor, secured 
land south of him, and almost simultaneously commenced operations. Win- 
sor had some capital, the others had little or none. Winsor put up a mill 
on the stream below the present works, but soon found that he really had no 
valuable interest and abandoned it. Courtney, then a simple Irish laborer, 
in another man's employ, had exhausted liis money and had made use of his 



GKAND RIVER VALLEY. 545 

credit in securing liis lands, and with a risin;? family on his hands, had not 
a dollar to aid him in dinffjing through the voi-k to uncover the treasure ho 
was sure he had. Working at odd hours, and at night, alone, he made an 
excavation in the overlying limestone and shalo->. 12 rods long and from •> 
to 18 foet deep, and exposed his treasure. This done, he formed a partner- 
ship with John Ball, antl, with capital, works were started. The opening of 
this quarry was in 1S")3. This Mr. Courtney, after having achieved an inde- 
pendence, and won a position as aman amongst men, without having lost the 
frank simphcity of his early characti'r. died in 1875. 

The other man mentioned — Mr. Hinds, was a feeble consumptive kind of 
an individual, haunted with two ideas; the one that he soon mjst die of con- 
sumption, and the other that there Wivs a fortune in plaster. Having secured 
his land, his fortune consisted in that, a yoke of oxen, a cow, a wife and 
child. Too weak to work himself, he gave his oxen to a man to open the 
quarry. That done and his trciisure in sight, he got bjtter, sold out and 
moved off. 

Mr. Buttorwith sold his interest to Converse & Co., and went to do busi- 
ness in the city. 

The works on both sides of the river have sinc3 b2}n imm?n3cly developed 
and a heavy capital is profitably employed. Tiie several changes and the 
steps in the development are not matters of his historical interest. The 
interest has become an immense one, and the works and mines are among 
the attractions to the stranger visiting the city. 

The business has grown with the growth of the country, the increasing 
needs of agriculture, and of cities and villages, and with the development 
of facilities for transportation, until it has become an immense interest, 
employing a capital of $500,003, and the labor of some 350 men. 



60 



jnU(JKAiMllCAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN ALMY 



Fow jiPiTons in (Irantl Kapids. 
ainoiif^st cither the ileud or living. 
• lid more in his day to jyive tin- 
now lirijrat and ^rowinj,' Valh>y 
City a rpputation, tlian tho ^enth>- 
nian whose nanio heads this arti- 
cle. .Ind<,''e A liny was a n.ltive of 
lUiode Island, and was educated a 
( ivil iMif^neer. He was for several 
years a resident of (leneseo, N. Y., 
where h" married Kliza. daujrhtcr 
of the late Col. .lolin I'ieree. In 
18:J4, hcrenioveil to Detroit, Mich- 
ij^an, where he had been appoint- 
ed city enfrineer. and reniain-d 
there several years, and laid out 
the splendid system of sewerajre 
and street lu'ratles that have proved 
.so beneficial to that city. In \X'\'>. 
when Hon. Lncins Lyon and N. < >. 
Sartjeant thouffht of fonndin<r a 
villajje where (irand Hapids now 
is. .Indge Almy came out. and platted the villasre of Kent. FA'entu.illy. the late 
Hon. Charles H. Carroll, of Uroveland, Livinj,'ston county. N.Y.. purchased the 
interest of Mr. Lyon in the " Kent plat.'" Jnd<re Alniy came out to take chargre 
of the property, and built the first stone dwelling'— a two-story one, still stand- 
in<;r on Bronson street, in the rear of Crinnell's Hlock — and became an active and 
zealous advocate of the city and Western Michigan; arid until the day of his 
<leath (in 18G:?) never lost faith in the future of Crand Rapids— firmly believ- 
ing and always insistinf; that we should have a large and flourishing' city. 
And now. as pertinent to this article, and as exhibiting the hardships and 
trials incident to our early pioneer life, ■we quote from a page of a journal 
kept by Mrs. Almy, in 1885. "The next night brought us to the Thornap- 
ple, and it being late and very dark, we dare not go on, for fear we shou'd 
[547] 




John Almy. 



2 MEMORIALS OF THE 

f.L.l into the river. We saw, near by, some camp-fires of Indians, but goin^ 
to them, they fled, and we could not get near them; so we camped out as well 
as we could, and spent the night with nothing to eat. As soon as daylight 
appeared, we commenced our march, and crossing the Thornapple, met Rix 
Robinson and the chiefs, who were coming to see ua, and what Idnd of peo- 
ple we were. Mr. Robinson explained to them that we were friends, and 
yroing to htild a big town down at Grand Rapids. Here we were furnished 
l.roak'ast — pork and potatoes, bread and tea, with wild honey (considered an 
extra dish), with short-cake; and did we not do justice to that meal? After 
K !ttling our bills, we proceeded on our journey, and having Plaster Creek and 
several other streams to bridge, we were the whole day until late at night in 
getting to Grand Rapids. Mr. Richard Godfroy and Mr. Louis Campau gave 
us quarters in their respective homes. The next day the woods rang out with 
the echo of the woodman's ax, slaying down trees to build shanties with, and 
all was bustle and business. It did not take long to get settled, and then 
commenced the work of laying out the canal. Mr. Almy soon found it neces- 
sary to return to Detroit, which was no easy matter, and I concluded to go, too. 
Mr. Richard Godfroy sent his Frenchman with a lumber wagon, to take us. 
We were ten days going. While in Detroit Mr. Almy bought a steamboat, 
and friends named her the " John Almy." She was loaded with pork, flour, 
mill-stoues, and many other useful articles, to be landed at Grand Rapids. 
The boat left about April 1, and had very rough weather, and as .she neared 
Thunder Bay she was wrecked— a total loss." Much more of interest could 
be extracted from this journal, did the length of this article permit. 

Mr. Almy held many important places of trust— such as member of the 
L?gislature, .Judge of the County Court, Chief Clerk in the Surveyor-Gen- 
eral's office, engineer of the Kalamazoo and other river improvements. He 
also held the office of City Engineer. The Judge was a splendid draftsman, 
and in water-color and India ink drawings, was not excelled. He was a 
scientific man of much learning and his general information was very great. 
He was very methodical and exact in his calculations and business. He had 
studied law and was admitted to practice, but the duties were not congenial 
to him, but he was thoroughly grounded in its principles, and was a safe and 
trusty counselor. He was a walking encyclopedia. Of splendid physical form, 
anri a most benignant expression of countenance; he was a man of mark 
amongst his fellows, and a courteous, genial gentleman, and beloved by all, 
and his memory will be cherished by every pioneer of the Grand River Val- 
ley who survives him. The immediate relatives of Judge Almy who form 
a part of the "days of small beginnings," are Mr. P. R. L. Pierce, Mrs. F. 
M. Lester, Hon. T. B. Church, and Alphonso Almy. His wife was a sister 
of P. R. L. and I. W. Pierce and Mrs. Lester. She died in Nov., 1875, 
in Canandagua, New York. In religious sentiment, the Judge was an 
Episcopalian. P. R. L. Pierce. 

LUMAN R. ATWATER. 

He was the son of Thomas and Betsey Atwater; was bom at Burlington, 
Vt., June 23, 1810. With the advantages of a Yankee common education, 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 



he spent his early years in his native State. But at the age of twenty-three. 
thinking Vermont was a good State to emigrate from, he, with his young 
wife, tried his foiiune in Georgia, where he spent four years, mostly in Au- 
gusta and Milledgeviile. Visiting his old home in Vermont again, he found 
the friend of his youth, Gaius S. Deaue, making preparations to remove to 
Michigan. He concluded to share the fortune of his friend; and the two 
young families bade adieu to the homes of their childhood, and the friend.s ot 
their youth, and set their faces towards " the far West." For you nttt^t 
know, Michigan was then " a great way off." Railroads — those annihilatois 
of space — were not : 

•' A journey was a different thing 
From what it is to-day; 
A toilsome and soul-wearying drag — 
A long and lingering way." 

Oh! it makes one poetic, when he realizeswhat a journey was in years gont! 
by. What pi-eparations! What 
leave-takings! What choking 
sighs! What sad farewi-ils when 
friends were going to ^lichigan! 
Why, now, a man in Vermont says 
in the evening to his wife: " I have 
some business that calls nie to 
Michigan. I shall be back in a 
week.'' Nothing is thought of it. 
Hut it was not so then. Michigan 
Wivs •' a great way otf." We have 
not yet got off Atwater and Deane. 
Hut amid tears and soul-rending'?^ 
leave-takings, on the 10th of May, 
\>i:',l, they embarked on I.ak" 
Charaplain, his own new bandiin- 
na, a.s he waved it in hist adieu, 
dripping with hi.s briny teai-s. 

One day on the lake and six on 
the '■ ragingcanawl "' found tin in 
in Butliilo. There they were oblig- 
ed to wait on account of ice in the 
lake. But they were soon in Detroit, where each purchasing a yoke of ox( u 
and a cow, they came in backwoods style, in ten days to Lyons, where the 
rehitions of Mrs. Deane had located. Mr. Atwater spent seven years at Ly- 
ons, and then removed to Grand Rapids. 

An early settler in the Valley, he has been identified with its interests in 
the infancy of its civilization, and in its development. A not very old man. 
and well preserved; in the enjoyment of a comfortable fortune, we hope he 
will live to grow much older; and that instead of being " Afr. Atwater." it 
will be " Father Atwater." 

Mr. A. has never been a public man, other than in the church. Of the M. 




J.nman R. Atnatcr. 



4 ISIKMOKIALS OF THE 

I]. Chuich, he has ever been one of the leading spu-its; and has aided, to the 
txtent of his ability, the interests of the cause most dear to him. As a busi- 
ness man, he lias never made a spread, or done bi<r thing-s; but by assiduous 
attention to business on a moderate scale, has secured an independence, 
which is as good as riches. " A man worth $500,000 is just as well off as a 
rich man." 

WILLIAM BABCOCK. 

Dea. Wm. Baljcock came into Ionia county in 1836, with his family, and 
located on Sec. 1, in Berlin. 

He was a native of Massachusetts, bom in Pittsfield. February lltii, 178:5. 
^\'hile but a boy, he came with his father's family into Ontario county, N. 




William Babcock. 



Slumnn S. Bailey. 



Y., remaining- there until he came to Michigan. By occupation a farmer; a 
man of robust habit and strong constitution; intelligent, industiious, honest 
and persevering. In 1812, he received a commission of lieutenant from Dan- 
id I). Toinpkius, governor of New York, to serve in the war with Great Brit- 
ain. He had the command of a company for a considerable tiiue, and acquit- 
tt'd himself Avith credit. He was a model citizen; a man who looked to the 
well-being of othei-s; a devoted and energetic Christian and philanthropist. 
He died Dec. 7th, 1871. The i-ecord of his life is the richest legacy he left 
to his numerous posterity. L. 



SLUMAN S. BAILEY. 

Horn at Summer.-et. Niagara county, Dec. 14th, 1821, and receiving a 
i;ood common school and academic education, he was designed by Ms parents 



GRAND RIVER VALLET. 



,1 



fur professional life. But, tiriiij,' of the confinement of school, he went to 
work on liis father's farm, with the resolution of helping his father out of 
'It'bt. At the iige of twenty-three he married Miss Delia G. Starbuck, and 
two years afterwards, that is. in 1846, he came to the town of Paris and set- 
t led down in the woods, where he had pitched his future home, and where he 
made himself a farm, and made himself one of the leading citizens. 

Almost from the beginning he has been in pubhc life, as a town, county or 
r. S. orticer. Justice of peace; supervisor seven j'ears; sheritt" six years, and, 
>iiice iJ^Go, revenue inspector and collector, which ortice he now tills. 

He wa-s one of the found rs of the Kent Agricultural Society, and its Pres- 
ident. 

•Mr. Bailey is one of the ii^'u whom his acquaintances delight to put for- 
ward, as one whom they can trust. A political haranguer once stumping the 
lounty when Bailey was candidate for sheritf, expatiating on the merits of 
the candidates, called out: " Do you know Slunian S. Bailey?" There was 
a general response, "Yes." "Enough said," said the speaker, and left 
Bailey without a word. We do not mean to indulge in eulogium on the liv- 
ing, but we hope, as some sorts of men are at a premium, that his funeral 
may be far in the future. 




ALBERT BAXTER. 

This gentleman, who is best known da Editor of the Euyle is a \ enuout 
Yankee, born at Moretown, 
W'iishington county, Aug. ;'>d, 
1823. Family on father's side 
— Baxter, Hubbard; on moth- 
tr's. Child, Cai'iienter. 

He received in youth a fair 
• ducation. Came ^Vest first to 
Wisconsin in 184.5, and one 
year after (1840) to Grand Kap- 
iils, where he read law awhile, 
and followed the business of 
painter and carriaire-maker. 

In 1849. he married .Miss El- 
vii-a Guild, daughter of the pio- 
neer, Joel Guild. His sad mis- 
fortune was the extinction of 
his family by the death of his- 
only child, and the long sick- 
ntss and, in \X-)->, the death of 
his wife, whom no one has since 
lieen able to replace. 

He gives this iiccount of himself: "Never held office; never was offered 
iittice; never asked for office; don't intend to; never had a barrel of money: 
never joined a church ; never got drunk ; never stole a railroad ; never cheated 
the poor; never voted for Tilden. In fact never was conspicuous in any big 
I'uterprise — hence have no histoiy." 




Albert. Baxter, 



6 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



He entered the Eagle office as sub-editor in 1855. Since 1SG5 has been 
editor-in-chief of the dail}' and weekly Eagle. He is an indefatigable 
worker, and the files of that paper show that he is an able editor. 

Mr. Baxter is a man naturally diffident; never enjoyed good health, and 
further than his business as editor brings him into contact with mankind, 
has little to do with the world. With his heart in the right place, and his 
good name where an honest man's should be, he avoids notoriety and mingles 
little with the world in general. His life has been darkly clouded and very 
laborious, and "never enjoyed very deeply— except those six years while 
she lived." 



DAVID BURNETT. 

It is a pleasing task to sketch the life-history of a man whose claim to 

remembrance is modest worth and 
active usefulness, whose intelli- 
gence commanded universal re- 
spect, and whose amiability made 
friends of all. Just such a man 
as that is the one whose name is 
at the head of this article, and 
■whose genial countenance, as the 
artist here represents it, invited 
confidence, which confidence was 
never disappointed. If you are 
anything of a phrenologist, you 
will say that the picture represents 
a man of cool, shrewd intellect; a 
kind-hearted, neighborly man; a 
genial companion, and a man who 
would be loved and honored in 
his family. This time phrenology 
tells the exact truth — he was just 
such a man. No one knew him 
but to esteem and respect him. 
Without being pretentious, he was very" much looked up to, especially wh^ii 
engineering talent was necessary. He was a modest man, never blowing 
his own trumpet, or seeking political distinction. Well knowing the hold 
he had on the confidence, respect and esteem of the community, he was con- 
tent to remain a pi-ivate, useful citizen. As such he lived and died. 

Mr. Burnett was a Massachusetts Yankee; born and reared at South 
Hadley. Born in 1808, reared as Yankee boys were apt to be, he entered 
active life with a common school education, and the trade of a builder. His 
leading talent was that of an engineer. His inclinations, and the public 
confidence generally kept him employed on works where such talent wa.^ 
requisite. He was the engineer of this part of Michigan. 

He came to Michigan in 1836, on foot from Detroit to Grand Rapids, 
guided partly by Indian trails; stayed the first winter at Ada in a log shanly 




David Burnett. 



^^^^S^^ 



GRAND RIVEft VALLEY. 



with Siflnoy and Torrey Smith ami two others; built a block house, and frot 
John W. Fiske to use it as a tavern in 18:37; pre-empted land, but found his 
cluim jumped. He then came to Grand Rapids, and worked on the Bij? Mill 
(that wa.s to be, but never was). 

A few of the structures built by Mr. Burnett will be mentioned. The 
authority is a paper written by him the year before his death. The first 
bridge across the Grand River at Lyons, built for Lucius Lyons in 18:J7. Re- 
built the same in 181;!. and received in part payment 2,00) acres of Stat • 
improvement land. The logr tavern known a.s the " Fiske or Lake House," in 
the wint.T of 18.57. That house still stands, and the man who tears it down 
will commit a sacrih^g'e. 

In 18MS and 1S:I1», in company vnth Nathaniel Fiske and Jacob Rogers, of 
Milwaukee, he built si.\ light-houses on Lake Michigan. In 1*'43. built for 
Scribner & Turner, the first bridge at Grand Rapids. Rebuilt it in 1852; 
and again, after the burning in l>irj8. The bridge at Ionia, in 1847; the 
stone Union School-house, in 1849; the first dam in the city the same year; 
the bridge at Plainfield, in 18J0; the dam at Ntnvaygo, in 18'):}; the dam at 
Roger's Ftrry, on the Muskegon, in 18G4, and the bridge at Bridgetown, in 
18(j6; the bridges on forty miles of the G. R. & I. R. R., in l!SG8; the bridge 
at Big Rapids, in 1870; besides otlu'r dams and bridges. 

His sphi're was such, that his labors mark the jn-ogrcss of the development 
of the region. His life was an active one, until infirmity compelled inaction. 
He died June 22, 1875. 

A summation of his character has been given before. To the family, of 
which he was the beloved head, 
his memory wU always be dear; 
and the community, where his 
long head was relied tipon — 
where his honor was proverbial, 
and his genial presence sunshine 
for near forty years — will not let 
him pass into oblivion. Fame he 
never sought; respect he won by 
sterling mi-rit, and esteem by ge- 
nial amiability. The simple rec- 
ord of a Wfll-spent life is better 
than a glittering fame. 

HENRY BKEMF,R, 

He was bom in Gennany, Nov. 
28, 1816, and received an academ- 
ical education at the Normal 
School, at Peterhagen, Prussia, 
where he graduated. In 1829, 
he euiigrated to America, arriv- ■'^'""^ ^'■'^^• 

ing at New York, June 27. A stranger in a strange land, he took the 
hrst work that otfered; and was employed as a common laborer on the Ohio 








8 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Canal. He afterwards learnt-d the cooper's trade in Lancaster, Ohio. He 
came to Detroit in 184:5. and for four years tauj,'ht a Geraian school. Moved 
to Grand Rapids in 1850, and started a soap and candle factory, which was 
carried on successfully for a number of years. Was afterwards in a grocery 
store on Canal street. 

During this time, Mr. B. had established a reputation for good business 
talent, and for personal integrity. He was looked to as the leading man 
among the Germans in the county; and was placed in some city offices. In 
1872, he was elected county treasurer, and re-elected in 1874. The general 
opinion is, that if Bremer handles the cash, all is right. 

Mr. Bremer is a very genial and social person— the friend of every good 
man; puts on no airs, and has kept himself wliere an honorable man likes to 
be— above reproach or suspicion; and with the good will of till, is acting on 
the principle — 

" Schneller Gang ist unser Lcben 
Laast una Rosen auf ihn streun." 

E. B. BOSTWICK. 

There are men whom society feels, who, when living, the community must 
know, and who, departing, leave a blank. At present we purpose to notice 
one of this character, the Hon. E. B. Bostwick, who for some 1-J years wa.s 
identified with the Grand River Valley, and who at the time was in all 
probability its most honored citizen. 

Bostwick, had been an Eastern merchant — a partner in a heavy firm, in 
New York, which, failing, divested him of all property which he held iu 
his own right. He had still some $40,030 which belonged to his wife, and 
with that, and the funds of others, he did an extensive business. He fitted 
ii[) ior himself, with rcfiujd taste, a modest suburban residence, the location 
nl' which still bears his name. He located lands extensively, laiil out and 
l)ut in market that part of the city known as Bostwick's addition; built mills, 
ill ditferent towns; established a colony on Crockery Creek; represented the 
]»(>ofile in the Senate; and in short, was in all kinds of speculations, each a 
l.rilliant scheme, when he began it, but sure to end unfavorably for him. If 
lie had had means, he would have done great things, but he would have 
needed a renewal of his fortune once in five years. Too ardent for a busi- 
ness man, he was sure to overleap himself, and his schemes were about as 
sure to fail. 

Crenerous to a fault, noble and manly, he won the deferential esteem of all, 
and they honored him with their highest distinctions. His personal pres- 
ence was of uncommon dignity. Physically, he was a specimen of noble, 
manly beauty. His mind was highly cultivated and refined — ardent, poetic 
and enthusiastic. His social qualities were unsui-passable. When his poetic 
enthusiasm could kindle itself by conversation with a sympathizing spirit, 
there was an entrancing power in the man. 

We loved and honored him. and we could have wished him the best of 
fortune, but such was not hislo^. Scheme after scheme failed; and he found 
himself involved in harrassing law-suits, and he felt what many others have 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 







felt when money gave out. Would you know wh.it that is ? nee fail hoUesthj, 
and you will be thoionj^hly instructed. Fail as a scountlri'l, in an op<Mi and 
alx)ve-board way, swimllinj,'- your cieditois, and you are called shrewd and 
keen. But if you struy-j.de manfully to maintain your honor and do justice 
to all, look out tor hard wonis, and for costs superadded to your bunlen of 
debt. So it was with E. B. Bostwick. He stx-u^gled, and stni^gled man- 
tidly, but every move seemed to sink him deeper, until Knally he started for 
• 'aiifornia ajj a hv<t resourc*?. He sleeps his last sleep on the desert plains. 
It -matters little how he died. While on the way he sent back lettei-s for 
publication in the (jlrand Hapids papers. In one of those he thrilled tlie 
liearts of his readers by an account of "a grave by the wayside." Another 
it'tter came, but not from him. • It wiu^ from Canton Smith, his companion, 
and it told of Bostwick's death, iind his "gnive by the wayside.'' 



EDWARD L. BKIGGS. 

Was bom in the town of Skaneateles, Unondaga county, N. Y., July 30tii, 
It^.'JO. In 1834. his parents moved 
to Michigan, and settled near Ann 
Arbor. Mr. Briggswa.s educated 
in the common schools. In 18"iO 
he removed to Grand h'apitls, 
where he has since resided, with 
the exception of two years spent 
at the South, in the States of 
Louisiana and Arkansas. In I808 
he was engaged in the survey of 
the public lands in Northwestern 
Minnesota, and run the fii-st line 
of the United States survey that 
touched the Ked Biver of the 
North. He acted as timber ajrent 
for the State Land UtUce, from 
1H."»9 to 1865; and a portion of the 
time as timber agent for the 
United States lands; and wliile 
acting in this capacity, traversed 
a large portion of the upper peninsula, and the newer portion of the lower 
P'nins\da. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1872, and 
sTved upon the connnittee on public lands, horticultiu-e. and geological sur- 
vey. He is at present engaged in the business of farming, manufacturing, 
and dealing in real estate. He was re-elected representative in 1874, and 
was chaiiman of the committee on public lands, and the special committee 
on apportionment. He was one of the original corporators of the Grand 
Rapids Chair Company, and has been one of the directors of the company 
since its organization. He aided in the orgiuiization of the Citizens' Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company of Kent, Allegan and Ottawa counties, and has 
been the president and treasurer of the company since its organization, in 1874. 




Edward L. Brigfja. 



10 MEMORIALS OF THE 

Mr. Briggs is still young; a man of ardent nature and of untiring energy. 
We hope it will be long before we get through with him. Now he is a ftirmer. 
and his house is a museum, where a taste for the aesthetic and genial so- 
ciality have made it an attraction. Long live Briggs and his accomplished 
lady. 

EDWARD A. BURLINGHAME, 

He was born in the town of Sterling, Windham county, Connecticut, Sept. 
19th, 1832. At the age of fourteen the family removed to Union Villagr, 
where he was employed in a cotton factory, where he very soon became mas- 
ter of every process; and where, nt the age of seventeen, he was promoted 
to the position of "second hand in the weaver shop." of 400 looms. At 
the age of eighteen, he, with the family, removed to Central New York, and 
was engaged in agriculture until he entered New York Central College. 
For a time he engaged in teaching; and in 1855 went to Madison, Wis., in 
the interest of J. & H. Miller, publishing house, of Columbus, Ohio, in whose 
employ he continued for the summer. In the spring of 185G he came to Ann 
Arbor, in the interest of the same publisliing house. He was married April 
22d, to Sarah A. Snell. In the fall of 1858, he removed to Janesville, Wis- 
consin, and became a teacher connected with the public school of that city; 
and there began the study of law. While so engaged, he accepted the offer 
tendered to him to become agent and correspondent for the Ohio State Jour- 
nal, which position he filled during the first Lincoln Ciimpaign; and he be- 
came an active worker, both on the platform and with his pen. While so 
engaged, he purchased a half interest in the Local News and Adrertiser, of 
Ann Arbor, which he enlarged, chnnging the name to Michigan State Nctrs, 
and continued its publication during the campaign. In 1>G1 he sold out, and 
became connected with The World We Live In, a paper published in Cincin- 
nati. In June, 1861, with others, he started the Peninsular Courier. In 
1861, Mr. B. raised a company for the war. 

In 1863, he purchased a farm three miles south of Grand Rapids. Staying 
there a while, he went to Illinois, where he pui-chased the otfic; of the Decti- 
tur Tribune^ the leading Republican paper of Central Illinois, which he run 
until Oct. 20th, 1866, and resumed his legal studies at Ann Arbor, where he 
graduated in the spring of 1869. In the fall of the same year he commenced 
the practice of his profession, at Grand Rapids. In the fall of 1872, he was 
elected prosecuting attorney for Kent county, and was re-elected in 1874: 
which office he filled with general approbation. 

Mr. B. is still comparatively a young man; his life so far has been active 
and influential; and the public have hopes of him for the future. 

LOUIS CAMPAU. 

This pioneer, so long affectionately saluted and known as " Uncle Louis," 
had an eventful life, bordering somewhat on romance. In this brief sketch, 
the romantic can scarcely be alluded to, as the incidents would make a vol- 
ume, instead of a biographical article. 

He was of French descent, born at Detroit, August 11, 1791. At eight 



GRAND laVER VALLET. H 

j'oars of age, he was taken by his miclo, Joseph Campau, who proroised to 
ivar the boy, and start liim in business. For seven years his business was 
that of an under servant, going to school but little. Tlie only school educa- 
tion he had simply enabled him to read the French language, and to writ<?. 
His defective education he regretted; but in after life he made little etfort to 
remedy it. As to scholarship, he was simply an illiterate man. His active 
life was mostly spent as an Indian Trader beyond the limits of civilization, 
or iis a business man on the frontier. 

(jntil after the war of 1812, he stiiyed with his uncle, being promoted to 
b ' his right-hand man. He was one of the soldiers surrendered by Hull. 

.\fter thf war, he w;\s hired byacompany of Detroit merchants to dispose 
of the reujuauts of their goods to the Indians on the Saginaw River. This 
he successfully did. He soon commenced on his own account as a trader 
among the same Indians. Tliere he stayed, with varying fortune, until the 
spring of 1826; when, at the request of the Indians, became as their Trader 
to the Grand River Valley. At t'uw^, while at Saginaw, the Government 
made use of him in dealing with the Indians and making treaties with them. 

In November. l*^2ij, he came on with a supply of goods for the Indians, 
and four hired men, packing his goods on ponies. He was also engaged by 
a Mr. Brewster, of Detroit, to buy furs, in oppo.-<ition to the American Fur 
( 'ompany. He fixed his first post at the mouth of Flat River, where the rail- 
road depot now is; left two of his men there, and with the rest came to the 
Indian village at the Rapids, on the west side of the river. Spent the win- 
ti'r there profitably, trading. 

In 1827, came with his family and a l.irger supply of good.s; built three 
log cabins near the river, at the foot of Hronson street. With none around 
him but the Indians and those depenlent on him, he remained until 1832, 
when the first emigrant — Luther Lincoln — came in. 

Believing that a village or city would be at the place, he secured a piece 
of land, and platted it as a village — the so-called " Campau Plat." Soon 
the ."jpeculative fever found Mr. Campau a rich man; doing a groat deal of 
business, building extensively, the pr^^sident of a bank, etc. The collapse 
that followed, found him a man struggling to s.ave a little. His property 
went to assignees, and eventually some small part of it was returned to 
him. 

.\fterwards. by doing a limited business, and by constantly .selling his lots, 
he livi'd a life of gentlemanly independence until within a few years of his 
death, whi'n, his resources failing, he lived on the bountj' of his friemls, who 
were unwilling that he should feel poverty, which he never did. 

He was twice married. His first wife died at Saginaw. His second, a lady 
of rare excellence, prec^diad him in death a few years, July 3Ist, 180:1, aged 
Hixty-two. From the tinie of the death of his wife, whose character ho fully 
appreciatinl, he was never himself again. We will h^t a veil be over those 
dismal years, when the anchor and stay of his life had gone. He died April 
13th. 1871. 

He was a tall, Sne-looking man; walking lame, from a serious injury re- 
ceived when a young man. He was very courteous and gentlemanly in his 
intercourse with others; an able counselor in matters of business, but him- 



12 



"MKMORIALS OF THE 



self unaule to practice on his own lessons. He was visionary, and an unwise 
manager of his own affairs. He was very benevolent, and the kindliness of 
his heart caused him to have many warm admirers, and was taken advantajre 
of by the unprincipled. He cannot be said to have been a man of bril- 
liant qualities; j^et he secured in the community a respect and veneration 
which it is the fortune of few to attain. He was uprij^-ht in his dealings; had 
finely-strunfj: feelings and a gentlemanly bearing', which conciliated good- will 
and disarmed enmity. His name will ever be one of the household words at 
Grand Rapids. 

He rests in the Catholic cemetery, by the side of her who was his soul- 
companion while living, and whose death cast so dark a shadow over the 
years he survived. 

Parted awliile in the land of the dying, 
Met, ne'er to part, in the land of the living. 



JAMl^ CLAKK. 



Mr. Clark was bom at Rahway. N. J., Jan. 31st> 1799. His parents be- 
ing in moderate circumstance, at 
eighteen years of age he left 
school, went to New York, and 
learned the mason's trade. In 
1821, he was married to Catharine 
Powley. of New York. He then 
returned and purchased a home in 
Rahway. In 1831, he came with 
his family, and settled on a farm 
in Superior, Washtenaw county. 
In Feb., 1834, he moved to Grand 
Rapids; being the iburteenth 
white family in the place. For 
one year he took up his residencr 
at Green. Lake, with no white 
neighbors nearer than eight miles 
in one direction, and fourteen th<' 
other. He then pre-empted ii 
farm in Plainfield; leading the pi- 
oneer settlement, and making the 
first improvements north of Grand 
Rapids. 

He is recollected with affection and i-espect, as one who was always doing 
more than his share in everything having reference to the public good; mak- 
ing roads, building school-houses, etc. He was energetic, entei-prising, and 
Upright in all he did; a man among men, he set a good example, and left a 
good name. He died after a long illness, in 1867, leaving a wife, four sons 
and four daughters, who reverently cherish the memory of the good man 
departed, 

*'Not unhonored or forgotten 
Lies the man who honored manhood." 




Jamts Ctarli. 



GRAND mVKU VAT.LEY. 



13 




RUFUS R. COOK. 

Mr. Cook was a Connecticut Yankee, born at Hartlancl, Conn., September 
8, 1841 . At an early affo, hU par- 
ents moved into Western New 
York. In IS'29, the family came 
to Michi<,'an, and located at Avon, 
Oakland county. In 1><>!4. he 
nmrricd t'ordclia M. Cowles 

As considerable (tf tlie early liis- 
tory of Utisco centers abound Air. 
Cook and his associate's, much 
will be given in this artich? which 
properly belonf,'!^ to the history of 
the town. He came in is;?, in 
company witii his brother-in-law, 
I. L. Moi-se, Amos and William 
Russell, in search of future lunin's. 
They left their teams at a point 
on the Looking Glass Kiver. a'nrat 
three miles west of Longsbary, 
Shiawassee county, wlien- they 
constmcted a boat of material 
brought with them. In this they 
were four days reaching the 

mouth of Flat River. From there they traveled on foot to the burr- oak 
plains in Otisco, where they mad? locations. Cook taking the laud when> a 
village commemorates his name. 

At that time, G. W. Dickinson, Daniel Ilorton and Tatrick Kelly were the 
only families within fifteen miles. 

They arrived about the first of Novembr-r, and Cook and Morse started a 
" shantce " on Cook's claim. Af't4?r winter had fairly set in, they went home 
on foot. In the February following, they returned with their wives, and 
with two young lads, C. F. Morse and Calvin Gage, bringing a span of 
horses, nineteen head of cattle and eighteen swine, and, as they supposed, 
plenty of money to carry them through and sustain them until harvest. 
Nine days of traveling in extremely cold weather, brought them to Lyons. 
There they found themselves unable to pay their tavern bill, as they had no 
money which the landlord would take— the firet intimation tliey had of the 
dread " wild-cat " collapse. "Dead broke," they wended their way, paying 
their bills the next fall, when the sale of some cattle gave them some money 
that had a value. 

In the winter of 18.39-40, Cook, iMorse, Luther Lincoln and the Baldwin 
brothers built the first saw mill in Alontcalm county. This mill — a big 
thing at the time— would cut three or four thousand feet a day. They used 
to raft their lumber down the Flat and Grand Rivers, and sell at Grand 
Rapids for goods. Tliat was the commencement of the vast lumber business 



i.T'/Ks 7i'. Ciiok. 



14: MEMORIALS OF THE 

on Flat River. In 184G, Cook built the hotel at the " Corners," which, under 
iiis inanagomont and that of others, became famous for its annivorsaiy balls. 
The house was always a popular one, whether kept by Cook, Hiram Weeks 
or " Lem'' Davis. 

In a few years. Cook became a trader, and general business man. Mr. 
Cook was possessed of the very best business qualifications; a good 
judge of men; of undisputable integrity; of more than common influence 
among men. He was highly esteemed and honored by his neighbors and the 
community; holding for many years the offices of Justice of the Peace and 
SapL'rvisor, and other positions of public trust; and during all his life he 
v/as the recipient of the most responsible and delicate trusls, which never 
suffered by his neglect or default. 

He Avas a man of strong convictions and decisive temperament. When 
his opinions were once foi-med, and he had decided upon a measure, he 
applied himself to it with untiring zeal; and when he moved he made his 
mark. Although he held many positions of public trust, he never was an 
office-seeker for himself, but he was a power when h ? took hold for a friend. 

Mr. Cook was a repr>?s mtatlve man of the pioneers— an early settler of 
the Grand River Valley; a man of great public spirit, and contributed largely 
in many ways to the growth and prosperity (f the country.and was well known 
and appreciated by the communities of Ionia, Kent, smd Montcalm coun- 
ties. He WHS one destined by nature to be an influential and leading man 
in any community in which his lot might be cast. 

He died, mourned and regretted by the entire community at his home- 
stead in Otisco, on the fith day of January, A D. 1875, in the G4th year of 
his age. 

(Kindly communicated by the Hon. A. B. Morse.) 

ALANSON CORNELL. 

Dr. Alanson Cornell came with his familyinto Michigan, in 1838. He was 
a native of Eaton. Madison county, N. Y., born in 1802. He was a gradu- 
ate of the Fairfield jVIedical College. After practicing in his profession for a 
few years in that State, he came to Michigan, locating in Ionia county, 
where he continued his practice until a few days before his death. 

Dr. Cornell was a true man ; strictly honorable in all his intercourse with 
liis fellow men; always ready in his profession, or elsewhere, to do a noble 
act; respected, not only by his medical brethren, but wherever known. He 
died at his residence in Ionia, in January, 1873. Dr. L. 

FRANCIS CUMING, D. D. 

The subject of this notice was bom at Grand Haven, Ct., in 1798. His 
father was a seafaring man. As a youth, he was adopted into the family 
of Prof. Rudd, an eminent teacher in Elizabeth town, N. J. Mr. Rudd 
having no children of his own, received him as a son, and educated him for 
the gospel ministry. His mother and only sister, persons of peculiar refine- 
ment and liigh position, continued tlieir surveillanc over him in the inter- 



GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 15 

course allowed by the residence of an older brother, doinj? business in Pearl 
street. Seldom has brotherly love been so unabated, uninterrupted until 
separated by death. In the double character of father and teaclier, Dr. 
Kudd was always held in affectionate and reverent remembrance. AVhile a 
student he was in a home atmosphere of an elevated and intellectual char- 
acter. 

He was ordained Deacon in New Jersey at the ajre of 22. and Priest by 
liisl.op Holjart. of New York, the next year. His first settlement w;us at 
liin-rhamton. N. Y.. when- he stayed but a short time. He was called to 
Hochest.-r in 1S-J2. where he spent nine years. He was afterwards General 
Agent of the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union and Church Book 
Concern; traveled much in the interest of the Society, and for it ])eiformed 
much literaiy labor. During- this time he had New York for his center, 
where he oro^anized Calvary Church, corner Twenty-ninth street and Fourth 
-Avenue, and also revived and re-orjranized St. Paul's church at the 
Qiiarantine. Statcn Island. In 1839, he removed to Ann Harbor, Michij?an; 
ami in 1><44. to Cirand Kapids. 

At (J rand Uapids he was recogrnized as a man much devoted to the interest 
of the church, which prospered under his able leadership. He wivs also 
recognized as a sound business man, and as one whose heart was in strong 
sympathy with the world and humanity. What he undertook he laiil hold 
of with energy, be it the business of his profession, or secular affairs. There 
was in him a buoyant hopefulness, which was not always prudence. As a 
clergyman or man of the world, he was always esteemed an aijie counselor. 
His benevolence wivs great, and h's personal honor was never doubted. 
Naturally a leader, he sometimes excited opposition by his determined will, 
and his fixed purpose to carry his point. His motto seemed to be—" Be sure 
you are right, and then go ahead." Almost defying, and generally triuraph- 
mg over opposition, as a natural consequence he had his friends, and those 
who did not like him. But even his bitterest opponent respected his high- 
souled manliness and energetic zeal, which disarmed enmity by his courteous 
forbearance. 

In 1855. he was honored by an Eastern college by the degree of D.D. At 
the breaking out of the war. his patriotic sympathies triumphing over per- 
sonal prudence, led him to go with the Michigan Third Infantry, as their 
chaplain. He waii with them but the part of a year, when the dread dis- 
ease, consumption, warned him to come home and die. He met death as 
one who felt that his life-work was well done, and wth a triumphant Chris- 
tian faith and hope. " Preparation, change, departure, are my constant 
thoughts;" " Salvation, the joyful sound!" were among his dying words. 
It was in August, 18G2; that a mourning people followed him to his la.st 
resting place. A wife and family of daughters survive, to whom his mem- 
ory is precious. His only son, the Hon. Thomas B. Cuming, had preceded 
him to the grave. 

In personal presence, the air of Dr. Cuming was that of an energetic 

business man. His positive manner at first repelled, while intimacy proved 

liira a man singularly unselfish, and living in his sympathies and loves; that 

he was warm-hearted, generous and affectionate. As a preacher, he was im- 

3G 



16 



MEMORIAI-S OF THE 



pressivc aiifl oarnest; as a friend, true to the death. He know no masters 
hut his conscience and his God; and it is believed that the one is stainless in 
Ihe presence of the other. 

No more shall we look on 

Tiiat reverend head ; 
The cross, where he is resting, 

Proclaims he is dead. 
But has not life tendrils 

That death cannot sever? 
Has it not flowers 

Unfading ibrever? 
The bright rays of wisdom 

Shine o'er the dark portal, 
As long as "tis guiding, 

The man is immortal. 



LEONARD COVELL. 

He is a Vermont Yankee; born February 17, ISlfi, at Cabot, Caledonia 

conntv. At the age of si .x years 



he lost his mother, and was given 
to a fanner until he was fourteen. 
He then returned to his father 
and helped him on the farm nntil 
the age of seventeen, llien, 
there being no great love between 
him and his step-mother, he took 
the liberty to start independent ; 
went to Hartford, Conn., and 
leanie(T the trade of carpenter 
and joiner. 

At the age of twenty- one, in 
18:)7, he came to Grand Rapids. 
Ari-ived, he found his capital to 
be thirty-one cents in ready cash, 
and his indebtedness five dollars, 
borrowed at the East. He worked 
as a mechanic some eight or ten 
years, when he went into a store 
one j'ear as clerk. He then pur- 




Leonard Covell. 



chased a stock of goods on longtime of R. S. Parks, for $90, and commenced 
as merchant. Success attending his humble beginning, in one year he went 
into general trade with D. C. Lawrence with the firm name of Covell & Co. 
He bought Lawrence out, and took as a partner, H. K. Rose — the firm, Rose 
k Covell. This connection lasted sis or seven years. Mr. C. then open?d a 
store on the west side, at the corner of Bridge and Scribner streets. As a 



GRAND nTvr.n vai.t.kv. 



17 



jnorchant, he may he called a success. Sdlinsr out his storo. for four yoars ho 
Wiis afjent and director ol' the (t. R. ^ 1. Kailroatl. 

At the organization of the U. S. District. Court for Western Miihitjan, he 
was a[>i)ointed Hepnty Marshall, which otlice he held until 1^7."). 

He married Pernielia, daui,diter of Deacon Henry Stone. May 2, 18:59, which 
niarriafre is still unbroken. 

Possessed of native eneriory, Mr. Covell has not heen in the habit of dyin^': 
and now. with personal vi^or, independence and public respect, he is one of 
tlie honored jiatriarchs. where, as a poor boy, he made a beg^innini^'m the back- 
woods village, of which he can say: " I have seen the whole of it, and of it 
have been no small fraction." 




JOHN DAVIS. 

Tliis man. mentioned in the history of Oaktield, was born in Madison county, 
N. Y., April •_'•"». I si:!; lived on a 
farm until he was sixteen, with 
the common advantafjes. At that 
time he was apprenticed to a 
Itlacksmith, at which business ho 
worked a good part of his life. 
In l!->;?9, he came to Michigan — to 
Ann Arbor. In 1S40. he came 
to Oaktield, where he soon bo- 
came one of the leading and otti- 
cial men of the town; holding at 
ditferent times every town ottice 
— tbefticto/uni of the town. Kn- 
gaging at first in blacksmithing 
and farming, he prospered; but 
(there's a good deal in "but'') 
he went into the lumber business, 
in which a series of misfortunes 
ruined him. so far as property 
w\is concenied. With the small 
remnant that was left, he pur- 
chased a few acres a little out of 
Grand Rapids, and set his anvil 

there, as the only means of living. Tliat, then little valued few acres, is now 
a handsome property; and there he lives— delighting in the cognomon of 
"Old Ragged." which, to him, in Oakfield, is a pet name of endearment. 

In New York, Sept. 28, 1836, he married Miss Betsy Brigham, who is still 
with him. 

Mr. Davis is a character— combining much of human kindness with sound 
intelHgence. and a jovial, light-hciuted playfulness— everybody's friend, and 
no one can be his enemy. 




John Pari*. 



18 



MEMORIALS OF THE 




WM. H. DE CAMP. 

Dr. De Camp is a native of the State of New York; born at Auburn, Nov. 

6th, 1825. His father was John 
C. De Camp, and his mother Sa- 
rah Miller. When William was 
about a year old his father re- 
moved to Mt. Morris, Livingston 
county, where, now venerable 
with years, he still resides. 

The '■ mdiments" of his educa- 
tion were in a log school-house, of 
very primitive kind. At nine 
years of age he had pneumonia, 
causing diseased action of the 
lungs, which, lasting several 
years, hindered his early develop- 
ment. His academic education 
was at Mt. Morris and Nunda. 
At the age of 18, he commenced 
the study of medicine with Lewis 
G. Ferris, a country practicioner, 
and afterwards with Dr. C. C. 
TT m. II. De Camp. Chatfee, at Nunda. In the mean- 

time, as a moans of support, he made a business of teaching writing. He 
attended the medical lectures at the New York University, and two courses 
at the Geneva Medical College, where he graduated in February, 1847, a 
little after he had completed his 21st year. His first medical practice was 
at Grove Center, Alleghany county— four years; afterwards near Nunda. 
He soon became noted for his ability and success as a surgeon, and found 
himself in extensive practice. 

Impaired health, and inability to endure the strain on his vitality, in- 
duced him to leave the place and come to Grand Rapids and open a drug 
store; which he did. in company with another, in June, 1855. In Septem- 
ber, of 1857, they were burned out, leaving him penniless. The Doctor then 
resumed the practice of his profession. October 2Gth, 1861, he was commis- 
sioned surgeon of the regiment of engineers and mechanics; with which he 
served with credit for three years. 

Returaing from the army, he resumed his practice at Grand Rapids, where 
he soon took a leading position among the physicians of the State; and 
where he has won ibr himself a distinguished name as a surgeon. The Doctor 
is not nicreli/ a medical man. His leisure hours are devoted to natural 
science, in which he has won recognition in all parts of the land; and he is 
a corresponding member of the leading scientific associations. His contribu- 
tions to Conchology are noted in the journals and recent works. Novem- 
lier 4th, 1847, he married Miss Emeline C. Griffith. A single son is all his 
lamily. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 



19 



Dr. De Camp is still a man uiiliroken by years, ami in extensive practice 
at Grand Rapids. As his life-work is not done, we will not write his eulogy. 



SAMUEL DEXTER. 

The Hon. Samuel Dexter, the original projector of the first settlement made 
ill Ionia county, located at the 
White Pigeon Land Ottice, in St. 
Joscjih county, Mich., the present 
site of the city of Ionia, in the 
autumn of 1S:!2. Mr. Dexter was 
a native of Rhode Island; born 
Dec. 5th, 1787. Having moved 
from that State with his father's 
family when quite young, to Her- 
kimer county, in the state of New 
York, where he was married to 
Miss Anna Fargo. an<l remained 
therewith his family until he came 
to Michigan, in thi; .-spring of 1S:>>, 
in company with five other families. 
Mr. Dexter, while a resident of 
the State of New York, was elec- 
ted a member of the Legi!»lature of 
that State, and served his district 
in that capacity in 1^24 and Is-J."). 
After coming to this State, ami 
preparing a comfortable place for 
himself and family, his next busi- 
ness of iiuportance was to set about building a saw-mill, which he perfected 
in the autumn of the same year. The next year, he put into this saw-mill 
a small run of stones for grinding coarse grain, which proved a great con- 
venience to the settlement. Soon after this, and as soon as necessity required, 
he commenced the erection of a flouring mill, on the present site of the 
Ionia City Mills. He and his son, J. C. Dexter, continued to operate this 
mill for many years; when he retired from active business, and his son 
continued in it until quite recently. Mr. Dexter located some land in Kent 
county — at Grand Rapids — (the Dexter fraction in the city,) but subse- 
quently sold it. Mr. Dexter's residence was for several j'ears the general 
stopping place of most new-comers; where they always receiv.ed a courteous 
reception, and the best fare the place afforded. Mr. Dexter was a leading 
man in the settlement for several years; was the first justice of the peace, 
and was afterwai-ds elected one of the county judges; was appointed receiver 
of public moneys at the Government Land Oltice in Ionia, in connection with 
Hon. Ira Porter as register, under the administration of General Haiinson. 
in 1841. Mr. Dexter was a man of good natural abilities; a man of consi<l- 
erable enterprise and business; but did more for the public interest and con- 
venience than for himself. No man, as an early settler in Ionia county, is 




20 



MEISIORIALS OF THE 



entitled to more credit for his liberalit}- and public enterprise than Mr. Dex- 
ter. He died at his residence in Ionia, in 1856, being about seventy years of 
age. A. Sessions. 



GEORGE W. DICKINSON. 

This pioneer, whose labors ai'e mentioned in connection with the town of 

Otisco, is a native of Massachusetts ; 
born in Hampshire county, Sept. 
6th, 1809. He was bi'ought up on 
a farm. At the age of twenty, he 
went into a store in Boston, as a 
clerk. About two years afterwards, 
he got the Western fever; and, un- 
teiTified by all the horrible repre- 
sentations of friends and wise ones, 
in September, 1831, he bade good- 




bye to all, swung his kit, and on 
foot set out; humming to himself, 
'■ Nothing ventured, nothing gain- 
ed; do something, or die." He 
"footed it" to Albany, and from 
thence, bj' the "raging canal," 
proceeded to Rochester. Near there 
he rented a farm; married a wife, 
June 6th, 1833; and was a farmer 
for three yeai-s. 

Jn 1835, in companv with two 
Georrje W. Dickinson. ,, -. .,. , j. j^' i i- /^.l 

other lamiues. he started tor Otta- 
wa, 111. Not liking, set out to return home. Having heard of the Grand 
Iiiver Valley, in Dec, 1835. he came on, saw, approved, and secured lands — 
240 acres — on Sec. 21, ({rand Rapids Township. Securing his own lands, he 
spent some months locating for others, and returned to Rochester. He came 
on with his family in 1836. As his business was mostly locating lands, for 
convenience he took up his residence at Ionia, where he built and kept a 
boarding-house. 

In Feb., 1837, in conjunction with Thomas and Alfred Cornell, he went in- 
to the pines, north about fifteen miles, and made a squatter's claim, and pre- 
pared to put up a mill. The May following, thoy cut a road to their claim, 
and proceeded to build their mill, bringing their irons from Rochester. 
The mill was for the local supply of the settlers. In time, the supply 
was greater than the demand, and a market was sought down the Flat River. 
But first it was necessary, by an exploring voyage down the river, to ascer- 
tain whether it was navigable for rafts. With this intent, Mr. D. constructed 
a raft of dry pine logs, and went down the river; noting every bend, obsta- 
cle, etc. Finding that it was feasible, he next went down with a raft of 
30,000 feet of lumber; the first that ever passed the river. 

Renting his mill in Otisco, he went three miles down the river, and built a 



GRAJS'D KIVER VALLEY. 



21 



jn-ist mill, which he operated several years, sold, and came to CIraiid Rapids, 
and settled dviwn as a farmer, four miles from the city, on the land he at first 
lH)uo:ht from the government. There he has about him the land, improve- 
ments, etc., of a first class farmer. 

The old jiioneer of Otisco, in a grreen old age, is now (l.sTTi halo and 
lu'arty, with apparently good years of life in him; enjoying his competence, 
and the respect of the community where hi^ uuosteutatious but useful life 
hits been passed. 



FEANKLIN EVERETT. 

The relation he holds to this book forbids any extended notice. Pom at 
Worthington, Miuss., .laniiary 2G, 1812, his youth was passed in humble life. 




Franklin Everett 

From his father he iidierited a love of books, which, in childhood, became 
almost a pa.«sion. Humble circumstances rendered inevitable a life of hard 
labor; and he had but tew early advantages. But, his day's hard labor 
don!^ the instructive book was all he cared for. Studj-ing in the fitful way 
wiiich a hard working boy must study, if ambitious to improve, he picked 



9.9, 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



up what was then called a good English education, and fitted himself for 
college, with Uttle aid from teachers. He commenced school teaching at the 
age of sixteen years, and, until he was twenty-three, alternated between the 
farm, saw-miU and school-house. At that time he entered Colby University 
(then Waterville College), in Maine, where he graduated in 1838. Adopt- 
ing the profession of a teacher, he took charge of the " Black River Acade- 
my," in Vermont. In 1840, he removed to Canajoharie, N. Y., and after- 
wards to Cooperstown, at which places he had charge of the academies there 
located. 

In the fall of 1846, he came to Grand Rapids as principal of the Grand 
River Academy. This soon became an independent school, known by his 
name. With the exception of brief intervals, he kept up that school until 
1874. 

Without ambition, other than for universal scholarship, and to stamp his 
impress on the minds and hearts of those under his instruction, his life has 
been uneventful; cheered by the hope that his labors would be appreciat,ed 
by those he taught, and that by their loving hands, when life's work was 
ended, he would be laid to his final rest. With the evid mces of their appre- 
ciation he is satisfied. It is for thera to show whether his life has been useful 
or a failure. 

As a teacher, he has considered his profession the most .«acred; and, 
regardless of personal consequences, has sought only the mental expansion 
and moral growth of his pupils, never laboring for popularity. If remem- 
bered at all, he chooses to be remembered as a teacher. 

REV. WM. M. FERRY. 

This pioneer of Ottawa county, whose personal history is the center of the 
early history of that county; whose life was identified with the business, the 
social, moral and religious interests of the Grand River Valley, merits more 
than a passing tribute to his memoiy. 

Too often can we say of the personally good man: "He has left no record 
behind him; he made no impress on the world. 

" He lived as his fathers lived. 
Lived happy, died happy, and was saved;" 

in decent insignificance, leaving the world no better, and no worse, for his 
having lived in it. 

Others, again, are an influence in life, and speak to us when dead. 

Mr. Ferry was no common man, though modestly ranking himself as such. 
In his own estimation but an humble individual, as long as he lived he was 
looked up to by the community that knew him as a leader, and he v/as felt 
to be a power. Briefly sketched, the record of his life is: 

Born at Granby, Mass., Sept. 8th, 1796; the son of a sterling farmer, who 
by honest toil reared a large family, and by example and precept enforced 
the principles of virtue. He had also the inestimable advantage of a noble 
and devoted mother, whose wise counsels he early learned to appreciate. 

He was a slight, frail youth; not fitted for the rugged toil of a farmer's 
life. He looked to the Gospel ministry as his future field of action; and tlie 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 23 

serious questioii came up, "How shiiU I enter that field?" His father's 
limiteil means forbade a hope for his assistance, and his father's pride of in- 
dependence wrnng from him the promise that he would under no circum- 
stances solicit aid from any one, but would rely on his personal endeavor. 

Compelled by necessity to defer, but not abandoninij his purpose of secur- 
ing, a coUegriate education, he entered the store of his brother as clerk, study- 
inpr as he could find opportunity. At the a.cre of ei^htcfn he accepted a place 
aa tutor in a foniale seminary at Kinderhook, under his uncle, Mr. Joseph 
Montag-ue. He tauj,'ht there one year, and then went to Plainfield, Mass., 
where he prepared for college, under the Rev. Moses Haileck: at the same 
time teaching the academy at Ashfield. He entered Union College, as a 
sophomore, at the age of twenty-one. Through the kindness of Dr. Yates, 
one of the professors, who furnished him employment by means of which he 
was enabled to pay his expenses, he pursued his college course, and gradua- 
ted in his '24th year. He then pursued a theological course of two years, at 
Brunswick, N. J., and of six months with Gardiner Spring, D.D., of New 
York; and w.is licensed and ordained by the N. Y. Presbytery in 1822. 

He wivs appointed to explore among the Indian tribes of the Northwest : 
which exi)loration resulted in the establishment of the ^lackinaw Mission. 
He remained at Mackinaw a year, in laying the foundation of this Mission. 
In 1823, he was married to Miss Amanda White, of Ashfield, Mass., and 
with her took up his abode at Mackinaw. In 1827, this mission came under 
the care of th'' American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. At 
this mission he devoted twelve years of incessant toil, as chaplain of the mil- 
itary po>t; t'-aclKT in the school; hiboring also as a Christian missionar>- 
among the IncUans and other people at and around Mackinaw. Those who 
have known his unyiehling devotedness to what he deemed to be dutj', and 
the burden of anxiety for the Christian welfare of those under his charge, 
which tiixed to the utmost the energies of body and mind, can well under- 
stand the degree of admiration which the people of Mackinaw manifested 
for him. None but one gifted as he was, could have moulded into usefulness 
such mat^^rial as was then adrift on the border of civilization. 

Much to the regret of the Board, in the early part of IS^M. he decided to 
leave the Mission; and entered into business arrangements which resulted in 
his settlement at Grand Haven in the fall of that year. It was on a Sabbath 
that he landed; and directly he called those with him into a log house, and 
led them in their devotions, preaching from the text, " For who hath de- 
spised the day of smalt things." 

From this point we shall not particularly follow Mr. Feiry, as his doings 
are blended with those of others, and are noted in the history of the settle- 
ment and progress of the county. He became more kno\vn as the leading 
business man, than in his eai-ly character as a Christian teacher. He built 
up an immense business, somewhat diversified in its character, becoming the 
central point of business at Grand Haven ; which position he held until his 
death. 

Notwithstanding the apparent absorption in worldly cares, and the great 
interests of which he was the guiding spirit, he never forgot that he had con- 
secrated himself to the service of his God. For eighteen years he preached 



24: MEMORIALS OF THE 

to the people of Grand Haven, chargeable to no one. A generation grew up. 
and were educated under his mmistry. who reverenced him as their teacher 
in spiritual things. H3was not th3 "popular preacher," signalizing him- 
self by sensational movements, and winning for himself a name: No; in 
his ministrations, Mr. Ferry was the calm, quiet teacher, humljly sitting 
at the feet of his Master, unostentatiously striving to lead in the ways ot trutli 
and righteousness; making himself of no account. His labors bore their 
natund fruit. As long as he was their spiritual leader, no ])lace was more 
noted for its good morals and quiet religious spiiit than G?;and Haven. Only 
tilt; older residents will ever realize the full influence of the calm, cool 
preacher. Ferry. 

He diel at Grand Havjn. December ?jli.h, 1S57. and rests in the cemetery 
at that place. The simple inscription on his monument, dictated by him- 
self, is, 

" First toil — then rest; 

First grace — then glory." 

Among his bequests were $12,000. to be known as the "' Ferry Missionaiy 
Fund," the interest to be used to support the Gospel in destitute i)laces in 
Michigan; $20,000 to the Lake Forest University, in Illinois; .$l'),00O 
towards the erection of a Female Seminary at Lake Forest; $ }0.(»00 to the 
American Board of Foreign Missions; $:>0,000 to the American Bible Socie- 
ty; $15,000 to the American Tract Society of Boston; $15,000 to the Presby- 
terian Publication Society. 

It was the happiness and good fortune of Mr. 1 eriy, that he was asso- 
<iated with a womnn of uncommon intellectual and moral worth. By tivh 
children they were looked up to with veneration — a feeling which is as hon- 
orable to them as it is to the objects of their filial love. 

Mr. Ferry was of medium size; had the air of a quiet, rather taciturn gen- 
tleman; more likely to list'n than to talk; was simple in his habits and 
tastes; made no display of Wealth; was very accessible; was .strong in pur- 
pose, and persevering in his course. He lived to see his aims accomplished, 
and died in the full faith of a humble Christian. 

In this notice, we have drawn largely from the funeral sermon by the Rev. 
1). H. Evans. 

WILDER D. FOSTER. 

Wilder De Ayere Foster was born at Monroe, Orange county. N. Y.. .Jan. 
Sth, 1821. His youth was passed in humble circumstances, but with the 
advantage of intellectual and honorable parents, who by precept, enforced 
l.)y example, early inspired him with the principles that guided his after life 

He was apprenticed to the tin-smith's trade at Rochester, and afterwards 
came with his employer to Marshall, Michigan. The breaking up of the 
firm set him free at the age of 18 years. He came to Grand Rapids and 
worked as a journeyman until 1845, when, ki connection with another young 
man, he entered into the hardware business on a small scale. That busi- 
ness he followed through life; his small beginning having resulted in an 
immense business. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEl'. 25 

It is sufficient to say that from first to last, Mr. Foster, as a business 
man, was ever considereil the soul of honor. In business he was clilitfent. 
and hiij thou<,'hts and i»lans were comprehensive. Self-reliant, and x-elyin<4- 
on the ajipreeiation of the public, his business principles were never in con- 
tlict with his nice sense of peisonal honor. His reliance was not in vain, for 
the public, by makinfj his store their favorite trading- place, showed him that 
manliness w;us capital in business; and in troublous times, when other Hrni-t 
were crashinpr around him, the unbounded confidence that his creditors had 
in his manly honor, enabled him to weather the gales; proving in his experi- 
'■nc- that integrity is not only capital, but mdif. 

As a youth and young man lie did not consider business and money mak- 
ing the ends of e.xistence. He felt there was a higher manhood, and fur 
that he strove diligently, wasting no idle hours in dissii>ation. but using the 
time not demanded by the exigencies of business for isolid mental culture, 
'i'he result was, intf llectually he was always always a growing man. niougii 
diligent in business, business wius not his ment.U prison. He could throw 
that off his mind, and look to the world outside, and the .soul within. The 
result was, he was recognized as an intellectual man. posted in what a 
gentleman anil man of thi> world siiould know. 

He was a man singularly charitaljle, always respecting humanity, Ijelieving- 
in, trusting and loving mankind. Slow to believe evil of any one; speaking 
• •vil of none, and apol<igizing for human frailty; he seenvd to recognize the 
g<iod, and ignore the faultii of mankind. From his ovfrn emotions he judgeil 
humiui nature, and where his judgment wa.s not wise, it was charity that 
warped his wisdom. He was liberal to the poor, and in promoting the pub- 
lic interests. As an employer, he moved iunong his nn-n Jis a kind talh r 
among his childirn, and his presence t6 them was sunshine. They loveil 
him. 

.\s a public man. he was put forward, never volunteered to take office. 
His soimd judgment and unswei-ving integrity were early recognized. The 
].ublic laid their (/rmnmis on him. He was repeat4.>dly elected Treasurer, 
.\lderman. and Mayor of (inmd Rapids; was State Senator, and served the 
public in many minor capacities, always with the verdict, '* Well done, good 
and faithful servant." 

Upon the elevation of Mr. Feny to the United States Senate, leaving a 
vacancy in the lower House, by a treneral impulse, ail eyes were turned to 
Mr. Foster, as the man for the place. He liad the singular honor of taking 
his place in Congress— not becaus? he sought it as an honor, but because the 
l)lace sought him. He was re-elect«d, but obeyed a higher summons than 
the demand of his country, before taking his seat. At Washington, his gen- 
eral characteristi&s were fully recognized, ixs appears from the proceedings 
at the announcement of his death. At home, the serious question aro.se: 
" Who shall fill tlie place he honored? " 

He died, Sept. 20, 187.3. 

It is safe to .say that no man ever had so strong a hold on the people of 
the Grand River Valley, as Wilder D. Fo^t t, or was so much missed at his 
death. Witho:it the characteristics wliich g,?n »rally point to a man as a 
leader, his position as leader was secured by simple good sense, by his unself- 



26 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



ish sympathy with humanity, and his unbending integrity. His eulogy is 
written on the hearts of the people who knew him. There let it be read. 

WILLIAM H. FKEEMAN. 

Son of Joseph L, Freeman, bom at Sutton, Mass.. Feb. 24th, 18;?1. Afi 

Mr. F. is still a young man, we 
shall dispatch him in short ordi'r. 
He had advantages of a good 
common education, ^o which after 
he was 17, he added a year and a 
half at Grand Rapids Academy. 
H»' tlien took the California fever, 
nearly died of it, but after two 
ye-rirs returned to Ronald witli 
$4,000. With this he bought a 
fan)) and kept adding to it until 
he had 400 acres. Stayed on 
the farm about 10 years. Was 
in the United States sei-vice one 
and-a-half years, entering as First 
Lieutenant in Co. A. 1st Michigan 
Cavahy, aftorwanls was acting 
Brigade Quarter Master; was in 
the 1st and 'Al battles at Win- 
chestt'r in command of company; 
at Cedar Mt.. on Gen. Banks 
statf ; was at the second battle at 
Bull's Run, and at Chantilly. He was then, having risen to the rank of Ma- 
jor, discharged on account of sickness. Sick a year. Sold his farm and 
went into another part of the town where he went into trade and platted 
the village of Palo. Expended a good deal in developing the plnce; paid 
$2,500 tor a church ; sold goods there nine years. Came to Muir and started 
the First National Bank (now Ionia Second); was at first cashier, after- 
wards president; is still a director. In 1873, started a private bank at 
Lyons, which he still maintains. He has also been a good deal in the lumber 
business. 

He has been Supervisor of Ronald and Lyons. He was mari'ied in April, 
18M:, to Sarah Crossett. 

We promised to dispatch him in short order, and claim that we have been 
very sententious; but we have recorded an active and eventful life so far. 
And now WiiUam, my boy, see if you cannot crown it with years of matured 
manliness. 




Wm. Jr. J-'rcemnii. 



JOHN GILLAM. 

Is a native of New York, born at Bj-ron, Genesee county, June 2, 1818. 
His father was a farmer and brick-maker, in circumstances of fair indepcnd- 



GRAND RIVEK VALLEY, 



27 




once. He lived with his father until several years after his marriage. At 
the a?e of twenty-two, he married 
Miss Rosilla Tagrgart. 

In the spring of 1.^.'), he came to 
Alpine and took up land. His life 
lias been uneventful, quietly piirsu- 
ingr his own business, and often 
acting as an official man in his 
town, enjoying a well-earned rep- 
utation and independence, the re- 
sult of industry and personal integ- 
rity. His individual history would 
be but the repetition of the genenil 
histoiy of a pioneer. 

JOHN F. GODFROY. 

He was a native of Detroit; son 

of Gabriel and Bet.sey May Goil 

froy; boni.lulv4th. I8'24: died Jan. 

'iOth, ]87r,. 

His early years were identified 

with the Indian trade, under, at "^^^^ pmam. 

first, his older brother, William— and later, the Ewing IJrothers. of Indiana. 

His business with thom rarriod him all over the State and Lake Superior 

rountry. As the confidential citrk 

and agent of this firm, he became 

acquainted with the principal rep- 
resentative men of both races; and 

his integrity and intelligent^ gave 

him position and influence among 

them. His name is a familiar and 

honored one among the Indians. 
Lea.ing the Indian trade in 18;'.7, 

he settled in Grand Rapids, en- 
gaged in general merchandise and 
real estate dealings. 

.Mways influential, he was not 
af! office seeker. When the public 
caj'led him. he served them; once 
as recorder of the city of Grand 
Rapids. 

He was three times married; first 
to Lucy Genereaux, of Lyons; sec- 
ond, to Mary St. Aubin; and third, 
to Adelaide M. Moross, who, as 

his widow, survives him. "^"^"^ ^- ^'^'V'<^- 

Mr. Godfrey was a man of agreeable personal presence; kind and open- 




28 MEMORIALS OF THK 

hearted, jjenial and intelli.Lrent. He was public-spirited and benevolent; 
\vinnin<^ friends by gentlemanly courtesy; and confidence by his sterling' in- 
tegrity and personal worth. Cut down in prime manhood, there is a blank 
ttt Grand Rapids. 

JOHN W. GUNNISON. 

Capt. Gunnison was but for a few years a resident in this region; bnt it 

was sufficient to impress on thi' 
community the important facttnnt 
the residence of a man maybe nii 
honor to the place. 

His reputation was no local one. 
Thi' nation felt his loss when he 
met his ti-agic death. 

His life, from his early youth, 
was distinguished. Possessed of 
remarkable physical graces; en- 
dowed with a sti-ong, clear ami 
hiliorious intellect; strong in his 
principles and manly integrity, 
he eiu-ly attracted the attention 
of the wise— those who know 
what can be made of a noble lx>y. 
This Ks proved by a paper now ly- 
ing before the writer — the recom- 
mendation on which he secured 
his position as a cadet at AVest 
Point. Some extracts here fol- 
low: 

'* His habits of temperance, induatry and close application to study are 
well confirmed. His correct moral pinnciples; perfect rectitude of conduct: 
suavity of manners and gentlemanly deportment, are such as will command 
the resp?ct and esteem of all who know him. He possesses a mind of an 
•elevated character, and his manners are dignified and manly," etc. This, 
after stating that he was uncommonly good looking, with fine health and 
constitution, shows that the youth of twenty had caught the eye of those 
whose names are on the certificate, viz: one governor, two ex-governors, one 
President of the United States {in fatiiro), several members of Congress, 
two judges of the Supreme Court, etc. 

He was born in Goshen, Sullivan county, N. H, Nov. 10th, 1812. His early 
advantages were good. At the age of 18, purposing to go to college, and 
he began his preparation at Hopkinston Academy. In 18o3, he went to 
West Point, where in four years he graduated vi-ith the highest honors, and 
was appointed Lieutenant in the 2d Artillery. After the formation of 
the Topographical Engineers, he received an appointment in that corps. 
After that his life was that of an engineer, in which capacity he had no 
superiors. Among his labors may be mentioned service in the coast survey. 




John TT. Giinnffon. 



r.RA.Vn RIVKR VAIJ.EV, Op 

nn.l in Hie oxi.Inrin^ cxpoditions in tlio rorrion of the Rooky Mountains. In 
tlio volnininons reports on tho exploration nnd snrvoys for the raih-oad to the 
Pac tic. \w lij,'iir.s conspicuously. While enfratyed in that work, he Avas killed 
l.y the Indians in October, IS.".:}, and his body devoured by the wolves. The 
death of no man so yonns?, and of rank no hi^dier than Captain, ever made 
HO profound an impre.'^sion on the country. 'J'he fact is, none knew him but 
to love him. His attainments were prreat, and his whole character noble. 
" To accomplish the f,'reatest amount in the least time" was adopted in early 
life and acted upon until his death. 

In April, 1S41, he married Miss Martha Delony, of Camden county, fleor- 
j,'ia, who, OS his widow, still suivives. He left one son and two dau^rhters. 

For several years before his death his residence was at Grand Rapids. As 
his business kept him away, the people saw but little of him. Duriufr one 
of the winters, while at home, he wrote a very interestinjr book about tin- 
Moi-mons. He also, during his vacations, lectured beforo the Young Men's 
Christian Association, of which he was a conspicuous member, Delony 
-innnison, remember whose son you are. 

The portrait, which accompanies, thouj^h a fine work of art, is confessedly 
but an imperfect representation. At the time.of his death there was no pood 
picture of him in ."xistence. His yoinif,' daughter, as a work of love, from 
an impi'rfect dajruerreotype and her recollections, painted a poi-trait. from 
which IbiM i- fiilcen. 

N. J. IIAKD^ 

'I'ho subject ot thi.s article claims our notice i.s ;i ukui who. iui((>t iii(> most 
unfavorable circumstances, ha.s placed himself in position, and won for him- 
self a standinj? in the front rank of g'ood and honored citizens. 

He is of the African race: was born in Seneca county, N. Y., .Tan. itth. 
182;i. His iiarents came to Michi;ran in iS'iT. and located in Washtenaw 
county. Soon after that, his father died: and he was bound to a farmer, 
near Ann Arlwr. Ijeinp black, he then, of course was treated as an inferior 
Ix-infr; and no advantages were given him. In 1844, he married, and removed 
to the town of Gaines, Kent county, where he has always lived, as a fiirmer; 
owning IGO acres of land. 

He had no advantages in early life, and the soul-cnishing disadvantage of 
belonging to a despi.sed and slighted race. Hut, with the thought thai " a 
negro may be a man." he educated himself, until he ranks among the well- 
informed. By his moral dignity and sterling good sense he won respect, 
until ho was allowed his place among the leading men in his town. He is. 
so far as known, the tirst colored man who held ottice in Michigan. He has 
served his town in various public positions; in 1872 as supervisor. The peo- 
ple have forgotten that he is black, and no one is above visiting the family, 
which he has educated as gentlemen and ladies, or of respectfully salutiiig 
any of them as equals. 

'ITie example of Mr. Hardy may show what any one who has native talen^, 
ambition, character and perseverance can do: that respect can hQCommaiulcd ; 
and that humble origin need not be followed by humble life. 



30 



MEMORIAXS OF THE 



BENJAMIN A. HARLAN. 

Judge Harlan was born April 16th, 1837, at Fallston, Harford county, 

Maryland. He was the oldest, son 
of'Wni. A. and Sarah Harlan, 
birth-ri<irht, members of the religr- 
ious society of Friends (called 
Quakers), who are still living in 
Wayne county, Michigan. Op- 
portunities for the "poor whites" 
to obtain an education in Mary- 
land in the days of slavery were 
very poor, and with the exception 
of three tenns in a private school, 
Mr. Hnrlan received no education 
away from his father's house and 
shop. There he managed, with- 
out the aid of libraries, public or 
private, to pick up some knowl- 
edge, for he did not feel willing 
to belong to the ignorant, who, 
knowing nothing, want no knowl- 
edge. 

In 1853, he came with his father 
and family to Wayne county. 




Benjamin A. Harlan. 



Michigan, where he worked on the farm and in the shop, making brooms 
and ax-handles, attending the district school a part of two winters. 

In the fall of Oct., 1857, he was employed as clerk and assistant post- 
master at Farmington, Oakland county, which position he filled until July, 
1858, when the postmaster's official head fell in the basket, for the sole rea- 
son that iSlw Harlan would induce persons to subscribe for the New York 
Tribune and other Kepublican papers. 

Then the Rev. A. L. Hayward, pastor of the Universalist Society, at 
Grand Rapids, obtained for the young man a place as clerk and student in 
the office of Holmes and Robinson; Mr. Robinson being then Judge of 
Probate. There he remained and studied faithfully until June 5th, 1860. 
when he was admitted to the bar as an attorney at law. On Jan. 1st, 1861, 
John R. Stewart, Esq., Register of Deeds of Kent countj% appointed Mr. H. 
Deputy Register, which position, under Mr. Stewart and his successor, he 
held for ten years. In the meantime, April, 1862, he was elected Justice of 
the Peace of the 3d Ward of Grand Rapids. 

Before his term as justice expii-ed, in Nov. 1864, he was elected judge of 
probate for Kent countj', which office he held until 1877, having been twice 
re-elected by increased majorities over strong competitors. 

Judge Harlan was married in 18G0, to Miss Ellen M. Blakeslee, one of the 
teachers in the Union School, at Grand Rapids, and they unitedly boast a 
son and daughter. 

The Judge is still a young man, and, as his portrait shows, might be mis- 
taken for a boy. We will not now characterize him. That is properly done 



GRAXD RIVER VALLEV, 



31 



when venerable ajje has silvered the head, or when one has taken his place 
nnder his epitaph. He will have to beliave himself differently from what he 
hius done, or the public will still claim his services. 




DAMOX HATCH. 

Mr. Ilatdi was born at Richfield, OtsesfO county, N. Y., about 179S (d.aet 
not certain). At the a<re of fifteen 



lie entered a country store, iu? clerk. 
Two years afterwards, he was made 
Iwiok-keeper of a cotton manufac- 
tory, near Cooperstown, where he 
spent five years. For several years 
he was in the employ of nierchanta 
at Cooperstown. He tiien went to 
KIniira, and, in ccmpany with an- 
other, l)0u<,'lit a flouring and saw 
mill, to which they added mills for 
the manufacture of sash and doors. 
The.>5e were burned. 'J'he mills, etc., 
were rel)uilt. Hut there was a desire 
to "go West"; and go West he did. 
We next find him in Otsepro, Alle^ran 
county, with a ^l'J( 00 stock of {roods 
(a big thin<,', then); trading with 
white people and Indians; buying 
furs; building mills, etc. Mr. Hatch 
eanie into the Grand River A'aliey 
at an early day, and has been in various kinds of business; nursery, saw mill, 
I'tv. With a competence, he has retired from active business, and, a lone old 
man. is biding his time. 

When he came into the Grand River Valley, he was the happy husband of 
.1 beautiful woman: the father of an idclized daughter, and a son. But a 
>iid and tragic fatality has followed his faunly. His wife died from a surgi- 
r.il operation for the n-moval of an internal tumor. His daughter was one 
of the victims of a steamboat disaster. His son disappeared— no one knows 
wliat has become of him. His son-in-law. Wells, fell dead in the street. 
All that his heart held dear, in ways dreadful to think of, have left him; and 
now, in old age, feeble and partially paralyzed, he has nothing but wealth on 
which to lean. 

Wherever Mr. Hatch has been, he has commanded general respect. Nat- 
urally energetic, he. with upsand downs, has been a successful business man- 
Never seeking office, he has been content with private life. Minding his 
own business, he lias prospered. 

With little to bind him to the earth, in the desolation of his soul he has 
the active sympathy of those who knew him when, in his cottage residence, 
he could welcome his friends to his happy home. 

[Died March 7th, 1876.] 

37 



Damon Ifalch. 



32 



MEMOEIALS OF T!IE 



ISAAC HAYXES. 

ITiis gcntloman is a native of Eng^land ; born in 1834 at Guildford, Surroy 

county. He came to America as a 



child in 1842, and to the Grand Rivt r 
Valley in 1851. He went upon a 
new farm in Alpine, on which lie 
worked; spending- liis winters in 
teachingr SL-hool and in study. Tlris 
alternatin;:;;' betwei'n the intellectual 
and practical he has spent his days 
thus far. Early in life he was 
marked as oue the public had a rig-ht 
to use, and he was made use of 
accordinjrly; serving his town four 
years as school inspector, three a*! 
town clerk, and sriven as supervisor. 
In 187'2 he was cltH'ted sheritf by tlic 
county of Ken*', and re-elected in 
1874. When he retired from tiif 
office of sheriff he was admitted Ik 
the bar, and is now succe.ssfidly eti- 
gaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion in Grand Rapids. 




Imnc ITaijnes. 



On June 8th, 1856, he married Miss Sarah A. Dunnett, of Walker. 

Still a young man, it is to be hoped that a life honorably begun as an ed- 
ucator, will not be ingloriously ended as a lawyer. With talents that have 
marked him from his youth, and with pnblic esteem to back him, it is to be 
expected that his real life career is but just bsgun. We shall see. 



EBENEZER G. D. IIOLDEN. 

Was born near Cleveland, Ohio. Feb. 18th, 18 '4. The year following lie 
moved to the "' Indian Counti-y," Illinois; and in 1843 to Floyd county. In- 
diana; and from thence to Kent county, Michigan, where he arrived in Nov., 
1845. At the age of 17 he started out to get his own living; acquired a fair 
education, and the trade of a carpenter. He entered Knox College in 185.'^. 
where he i-emained two and a half years. In 1856, he begun the study of 
the law in the office of Pattison & Champlin, of Grand Rapids, and was ad- 
juitted to the Kent county bar in 1859. He was chosen prosecuting attorney 
in 1862, and served for two terms; and has also been for many years a school 
trustee. In 1869, he, in conrpany with Mr. W. Bates, organized the Grand 
Rapids Savings Bank, which was incorporated in 1870, with a capital of 
iyO0,000; being the first and only savings bank in that city. Mr. Holden is 
a lawyer by profession. As the Re^^ublican candidate, he was elected Secre- 
tary of State in 1875, and re-elected in 1877. 

Mr. Holden is a man of determined energy, and of tried integrity. Still 
young, the public have need of him, and will use him. 





vnjSBMiSnMBvd^SUlY 



GRAND RIVER VALLEV. 




John T. TT !mes. 



JOHN' T. HOLMES. 

.Tndge Holmes is a native of New York, born in Cailisle, Schoharie Co., Doc. 
1 1 . 1815. His father was Dea. Dan- 
iil Holmes, and his mother, Sally, 
daug'hter of the Hon. John Tay- 
lor, Judjje of SaratOf^M county, 
and sister of the Hon. John W. 
Taylor, who for eleven suecssive 
t»'rm9, represented the Sariit.)ga 
•listrict in Cong-ress, and was 
Speaker of the House dui-ing the 
IGth and I'Jth Conyress. 

His parents dcsijjned iiim for 
the ministry, and with that end 
in view kept him at school. Upon 
his informiuff his parents that he 
could not he a elerf^yman, he was 
re-called from school, and kept in 
the .service of his father on the 
farm or clerking' in a ston». 

He marrieil Miss Ann Pratt, 
dauirhter of Nathan Pratt, of 
NiaffRi-a county, March :>l, 1S:>6. 

In ls:?7, he came to Miciiifran, 
and on tlie l()th of February, to rjrand Rapids, where he spent one year 
iLs a clerk. l)efore startin;r Ijusiness for himself. For al)out thi-ee years ho 
was in mercantile business, studyinjr law as he had opportunity. Studying' 
law in the office of Bridge and Calkins, he Wius admitted to the bar on the 
17th of May, 184:i. He soon secured a respectable practice, which resulted 
in a veiy extensive one, and which continued initil his elevation to the bench. 

Mr. Holmes has held the offices of justice of the peace, prosecuting attorney 
for Kent county, for four years, and. on the organization of the Superior 
('i)urt. in 1><7"), he was elected judge, which office he now holds. 

He has also been candidate for the office of State senator and attorney- 
general; defeated with his piu-ty. 

As a lawyer. Judge Holmes has been one who respected his profession; 
always noted for his sti-ict fidelity to his client-', and as one ready, gratuit- 
ously to aid where the rights of the poor were at stake. Of this gratuitous 
aid he has done more than any of his compeers at the bar. As a judge he 
presides with urbanity and dignity, and is securing the r-'spect of the bar 
and the public, by his thorough knowledge of law, and his rigid impartiality, 
holding the scales on even l)alance. Having found his appropriate place, it 
is to be hoped he may long retain it. 

The portrait of the Judge which accompanies, tells just what he is— a jovial, 
companionable man; a trust-worthy citizen, and one who does his own think- 
ing; who can look you square in tlie face, and not drop his eye; who can 
shake you warmly by the hand as a friend, or hold you on your guard in 
logiciU contests at the bar. 



34: 



MEMORIALS OF THE 




Ezra S. Holmes. 



EZRA S. HOLMES. 

Bom at Wilson, Niagara, county, N. Y., July loth, 1819; w;is educated 

at Oberlin College, Ohio, and at the 
Syracuse Academy; studied medi- 
cine at Medina, N. Y., supporting 
himself by dentistry and teaching; 
in 1845, went to Hamilton, Canada, 
whore he practiced as a di^ntixt. 
Afterwards, in 1841), he fo.med a 
partnership with 0. W. May, of 
Lockport, N. Y. Health failing 
he Idt his profession in 185r), and 
for some years was engaged in out- 
of-doors occupations. In 1861, he 
resinned his professional busines.s at 
Wilson, where he wa.s postmaster. 
In 18f;5, he moved to (irand Rap- 
ids, where he still fullow.s the pro- 

sion of dentist. He is brother 
to .Judge John T. Holmes. 

Mr. H. is not a mere pi'ofessiomd 
man. He is a student of Nature, 
and as such has won recognition in 
the scientific world, and his con- 
tributions to natural .science are respectable. He is a prominent and active 
••r '^^ ^ ^- UK mber of the Kent Scientific 

Institute. 



JULIUS HOUSEMAN. 

A German by nativifj'; born at 
Zechendcrf, Bavaria, December 
8th. 18:^)2. His father was a man- 
ufacturer of silk and cotton, and 
also merchant. His early educa- 
tion was common and mercantile; 
was in his father's employ until 
his coming to America at the age 
of 18. Then he went to Cincin- 
nnti, Ohio, and until 1S-")1 was in 
subordinate employ. Then he 
traded unsuccessfully one year at 
Battle Creek. In 1852, with no 
capital, in partnership with an- 
other, he opened a small clothing 
store at Grand Rapids. That has 

risen to a mammoth establishment, from which he has lately retired with 

an independence. 



V 






^^^^Hfll^g 




Julius Houseman. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 



35 



While cnpraffed in building up his own fortune, the public has not allowed 
hiui to remain a private citizen. Never a seeker, he was twice chosen alder- 
man— l.S(i'J and ISTO; was a member of the I^<rislature in 1870; and haa 
served two yeare a.s mayor of the city— 187'J and 1874. 

Mr. Houseman is a man with a fine physical or<ranization: of sound busi- 
ness talent, and of social disj)osition. lb; ha.s always kept his honor when- 
Ca'sar said his wife's must bo— above suspicion. With a clear head and puli- 
lic spirit, he is much looked to lor counsel. Still in his prime, much is e.\- 
ficrted from him. 



HENKY H. HOLT. 

Henry H. Holt was born March 27, IS:'.!, in the villaf^e of Camden. Oneid.i 
county, New York. In 1852, he removed to Michi4,'iui, and settled in Kent 




Ilcnnj n. Tldtt. 



county, near Tirand Rapids. He received an academic education. Tn 1855, 
he commenced the study of the law at a law school in Poughkeepsie, New 
York, where he remained one year, and then entered the Union Law 
College, at Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated, and was admitted to 



36 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



practice in July, 1857. He returned to Michigan soon alter, and in Septem- 
l>er of that year, was admitted to practice at Grand Rapids, Judge Martin 
at that time being the Circuit Judge. 

In 1858, he removed to Muskegon, where he now resides, and engaged in 
the practice of the law. He was subsequently elected prosecuting attorney 
of Ottawa county, the counties of Ottawa and Muskegon being then one 
county. In 1859, on the organization of the latter county, he was elected 
prosecuting attorney of the new county, and held the oflice four years, being 
re-elected in 1860. He subsequently held various offices of trust in Muske- 
gon county, and in 1860, was elected to the lower House of the State Legis- 
lature, and was re-elected in 1868, and again in 1870. During the latter two 
terms, he was the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. He was 
also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1867. Mr. Holt was elected 
Lieutenant-Governor of Michigan in 1872, and re-elected in 1874. In 
187:3-4, Gov. Holt made quite an extended tour of Europe; and in 1875-0, 
lie agaiji visited the Old World, this time extending the trij) into Northern 
and Eastern Europe, as far as Constantinople; and also visited Egypt and 
tlie Holy Land, bringing back quite a collection of pictures, coins, minerals, 
and other curiosities. [Communicated.] 



SAMUEL B. HORNE. 



As Capt. Uorne is still but a younj. 



man, we shall modestly say but little. 
He was born at Ferbane, Kings' 
county, Ireland, March 3, 184:'. 
Li 1849, his parents moved to 
America, and settled in Winsted, 
Conn., where he obtained his edu- 
cation in the local schools. In 
Crofut and Morris' " History of 
Connecticut during the Recent 

^ War," we find on page 46, the 

^ following notice: 
"% "The great Winsted meeting 
-:|; resulted in company filled and offi- 

^ cered during the week. The first 
who enli.sted was Samuel B. Home, 
;i- a private, only seventeen years 



" Note. — Young Home, who 
was probably the first volunteer in 
Connecticut, was small of his age, 
and would have been rejected, had 
Samuel B. Home. jt not been for his importunity. 

He sei-ved faithfully during the three months' service; re-enlisted, and bore 
a. musket for eighteen months; was then pi-omoted to a captaincy. He was 
in twenty-five battles; was wounded three time.s, and served at the close 
of the war as provost marshal of the 18th Army Corps." 
On his return from the war, he commenced studying law at Winsted; and 




GRAND lilVEU VALLEY. 



37 



\Tii8 adniitted to the bar in 18G9. The sarao year he was admitted into 
partncrsliip with the Hon. Wni. K. Pock, and came to Gnind IJapi.ls. Jud{,'(; 
I'eck soon died, h-avinj? the young lawyer to go on alone. He has suc- 
ii.'eded in Keeuring a good practice. 

.\8 he is slill a smooth-tac 'd boy, we will simply express the hop^, tliat his 
litial biographer may give a good ac».'ount of him. 



II 1 1: AM JENNISON. 

This grntlcman, who has so long been identified with the business and 
political int<'n'sts of the region 
iii'ar Grandville, w;x.s born May 
11th, l>il:?, at Canton, St. Law- 
r'-nce county, N. Y. The circum- 
stiinccs of his e.irly life were un- 
favoral)!*', ;ind in youth his ad- 
vantages were slight. Attaining 
his majority, he pushed otf to 
Mirhigan to sink or swim with 
fortune; having nothing, as cipi- 
tal to start upon, but a jiair ot 
good hands and a supjily ot 
pluck. In lSo4 he came to (.irand- 
ville, and lor tive years, wielding 
the ax and saw, he worked lor 
lirown tV Ihittan in the hnuber 
woods, lie then procured a onc- 
iourth section of land, where he 
now resides, and connnenccd 
making lor himself a farm. 
About (he jear 1S44, in connec- 
tion with his brothers — Linnan and Lucius — he commenced luniberinL''; 
bought the mill and land where now is the flouring-mill. In 1FG4 they 
built the floiu"iii>,^-mill. The firm has been in extensive business; and m 
thriving little villag(\ (ailed from their name — Jennisonville — has grown up 
around them, and mainly dependent on the mills rim by the Jennison brothers. 

Mr. .lennison has been an active man, otherwise than in his own and th»! 
company's affairs; serving often as a town officer, and at one time repre- 
senting the people in the Legislature. 

In 18:58, he married Miss Ma.-y Beai-dsley, who is still the companion of 
his gi'een old age. A large family and independence are not without their 
interest, as whitening hail", and the et ceteras which come in the train of 
years, are monitions that soon the slippei-s and the quiet pipe will succeed 
the turmoil of business, necessarily laid aside. As in all probabilitj- there 
are yet ui him still years of energetic action, we will not give his portraiture 
further than shown in the picture accompanying. That will tell any one 
that Mr. J. is a man who will not die until he is obliged to; and that he 
has in him the material which means business, and a life which has an aim 
in view, and which is not without manifest results. 




38 



MKMOm.VLS OF THE 



CAPT. ABU All LUCE. 

Born at Martha's Vineyard, May Gth, 1781; died at Grand Rapids, May 
:M. 1875. 

His father was a ship-owner and captain, and young: Abijah was bred to 
follow in his father's track. He had the advantanr^s of a jfood common 
education, and of the example and counsels of a mother of rare excellencf. 
and whom he decjily venerated. His father died when he was young', and 
we find youni? Abijah succeeding to the business — captain and ship-owner. 
In 18o5, he changed his business from sea to land; he removed to Bristol. 
R. I., and invested in a cotton factoiy. By the burning of the factiiy and 
by losses in mercantile business, he found himsidf divested of his fine for- 
tune, but a small remnant of which was left. With that he cauie to thf 
(Jrand River in 18-1"). and settled in Paris, one mile south of Reed's Laki-. 
where he developed a valuable farm. Age and infirmity compelled the dis- 
l)0sal of his farm. He moved into the city, afterwards to Virginia, from 
which he came back to die. 

Capt. Luce was a decided character; with a very strong, energetic mind, 
and the habit of command. He was a fish out of water, in Michigan; sur- 
rounded by people who did not understand his habits, engendered by a life 
of command on the sea. Those who really knew him, found him a genial, 
warm-hearted man; fond of heated debates, and firmly attached to the one 
who could bring steel to d ish with steel. He was a lea'ling spirit in the so- 
lulled " Dorr rebellion," in Rhode Island, which r^^sulted in giving a liberal 
constitution to the State, instead of the old illiberal " charter." In the Con- 
gressional document on the "Doit rebellion," his name appears often, as 

one of the most conspicuous in 
the movement. 

It cannot lie said that he ar- 
riveil at his proper destination. 
It was his misfortune that he lelt 
the sea coast, where he was con- 
spicuous among a congenial peo- 
ple, for rural life in Michigan, 
w^here he found few who coulil 
sympathize with or understand 
him. 



PvATsSOM LUCE. 

lie is only sui-viving son of 
!Marston Luce, who was one of the 
early settlers of Grand Rapids, 
and who was for some years keeper 
of the Eagle Hotel. He wa.^^ 
bora at Middlebuiy, Genesee 
county, N. T., Feb. 28th, 1822: 
and followed the fortunes of his 
The family came to Michigan in 




lidnsom Liice. 
father until his death, March 9th, 1846. 



GRANT) RIVER VALLEY. 



89 



IS-IO. By th.? death of his brother and two sisters, he was left alone with 
his mother: and sot himself up as a merchant, in the grocery business. 

Possessed of rare sa<,'acity as a business man, he speedily advanced in for- 
tune until, in 18."»(!, he found himself able to erect the block of stores which 
bears his name, on Monroe street. This was the first venture upon a larg.- 
block of stores in Grand Rapids. Though in later yeai-s eclipsed by larg<- 
and more pretentious structures, for many years it was the "big thing" in 
the city. In fact, it was a heavy venture, as the sequel proved; the wants 
of the jtliiet» then demanding no so massive buildings. 

That Mr. L, is a successful business man is not his particular merit. As 
one who looks to tiie public interest, and t-> the wtlfare of humanity, he has 
a stronger liold on the community. He has been a hiborious and watchful 
member of the city counsel for many years; and has a heart for every work 
that is for the general good, and a hand ready to aid. He has no trumpet to 
blow for himself, and will let no other person blow one for him. He belongs 
to the old, rather than to the modern school, caring little for the vanities of 
life, but prizing the realities. Long may h(^ wave; and may his shadow 
never be less. We need such men to give life to business, and to guard the 
public interests. 



TRUMAN II. LYON. 

This man so long and so favorably know as a proraijient actor in the 
• irand Uiver Valley, was a native 
of Vermont; bom at Shelburn, 
near Hurlington, February 24, 
1801. He had in youth but the 
common advantages; was appren- 
ticed to the business of a cloth- 
dresser, which liusiness he fol- 
lowed in Vermont until he wa3 
twenty-one, and afterwards on 
his own account, at Hopkinston, 
St. Lawrence county, N. Y. 

In \><'l'-i, he married Miss Lu- 
cinda Farnham, who survives 
him. 

He early developed business tal- 
ent, and was looked to by the pul i- 
lic as one to be made use of. 
Though a young man, he was 
jilaced in otticial station at Parish- 
ville — was justice of the peace, etc. 

In the fall of mSG, he came 
to Michigan; first stopping at 
Lyons, Ionia county, where he kept a hotel; was justice of the peace, side 
judge, and an official man generally; w.as in United States employ, superin- 
tendent of the light-houses on Lake Michigan; letting the contracts for 
their construction. 




Truman IT. Lyon, 



40 



MEMOIilALS OF THE 



He moved to Grand Rapids in 1840, where lie kept a public house, and did 
business as a merchant. As a tavern-keeper, he kept the Brid<je Street 
House two years, and afterwards the " Rathbun." For many years he was 
jiostmaster. He also carried on business as a cloth-dresser; and, on a small 
M'ale, woolen manufacturer. He was always a man that the public looked to 
as one to use, and they used him in various ways. In 18J0 he was sent to 
the State Senate. He was a lea ling Free Mason — master of the lodge, and 
nuich honored in the order. He was always full of business, public and pri- 
vate, until laid aside by the terrible disease — sciatica — which finally, having 
t'xliausted all the powers of nature, ended in not unwelcome death, Septem- 
ber 14th, 1872. 

The character of Mr. Lyon is easily summed up. With no strikingly bril- 
liant qualities, his X'hiin good sense, his business capacity, his clear judg- 
ment, and personal integrity gave him a marked position among the leatUng 
men. He was an able counselor, public-spirited, and true to every public 
trust. He never sought to shine, and never put himself forward; was affa- 
ble, courteous, and generous-hearted; placed himself aljove nobody; and 
bowed to nothing but superior worth. His talent was eminently practical, 
and his judgment discriminating and clear. 

He raised a large family, who have taken prominent places as business 
men. One of his sons — Lt. Darwin — lost his life in the service of his country 
(luring the war. His only daughter — Mi-s. Yale — preceded him in death. 
l''ive sons remain. Long prominent, and highly respected, his exit left a 
blank in the community. All felt the loss of the worthy old man, whom 

everybody knew and esteemed. 
His life and doings are a part 
of the history of the region. 
Leaving no enemies and many 
friends, his memory will be 
cherished. 



DANIEL McCONNELL. 

The siibjectof this sketch was 
born at Newbury, England, 
on the 17th day of March, A. D. 
1827. His father, a dissent- 
ing cleigyman of the Metho- 
dist denomination, reared a 
large family in comfortable cir- 
cumstances, and removed with 
them to America when Daniel 
was but five years old. locating 
at Rochester, New York. At 
the age of eleven years, Daniel 
was placetl in the establish- 
ment of a leading jeweler, of Rochester, where he remained between 
three and four years, leaving finally on account of poor health which 




Daniel McConnell. 



GRAND RIVKK VALLEY. 



41 



ii(X>?8sitated a more active occupation. At the age of fifteen years, he was 
sent from New York to Lexington, Missouri, with a stock of goods to 
sell, which he closed out in a year. Soon after, he came West, to Grand 
Kapids, then a thriving but isolated little village, and spent some time, 
returning, however, t^ New York. Early in the spring of 184G, ho enhsted 
in Company I, 10th United States Infantry, to serve in the war with Mexico. 
'l"he next week, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant, and sent to 
.New Jersey, in the recruiting sen-ice. He served with credit during the war 
in the army under General Taylor, rising to the rank of Sergeant-Major. 
Mustered out, he came to Grand Rapids to reside, and began a mercantile 
business. In ISoO, he married Elizabeth L. Mundy, daughter of Judge 
Mundy, of the Michigan Supreme Court. The monotonous life of a mer- 
• hant was divei-sified by an expedition to California, and by amateur military 
o[ierations. Reorganized and commanded the Valley City Guards, a company 
that gave the United States four Generals, several Colonels, and a great 
number of Captains, Lieutenants, and minor othcers. His mihtary zeal and 
experience secured his promotion to the rank of Colonel iii Michigan Militia, 
and as such the war of the rebellion found hnn. At the breaking out of the 
war. Col. McConnell and the Valley City Guards responded to the call for 
three months' men. The Colonel was authorized to raise the Third Michi- 
gan Infantry. Before the regiment was full, the order came changing the 
time from three months to three years. Most of the mezi already raised re- 
enlisted; the regiment wius soon tilled, and moved to Washington, Col. 
.Mct.'onnell commanding. But the skill and experience which the Colonel 
had acquired in ^lexico were not destined to be long available in this new 
and more important field. His health became seriously impaired, and, after 
nine months' serviee, he resigned his commission and returned to Grand 
Rapids, not, however, without having seen active service at the battles of 
Blackburn's Ford and Bull Run, where his regiment did not share in 
the general demoralization but 
retained its discii>line, and with 
another equally fortunate, had the 
honor of covering the retreat. 
Since the war he has never lully 
recovered his health, and has not 
engaged in active business. After 
an active and ax? venturous career, 
having served his country in two 
wars, he has retired to peaceful cit- 
izenship, retaining, however, the 
firm step and soldierly bearing 
which are the results of his mili- 
tiiry education. 

JAMES m'cRAY. 



James McCray, in the history of 
the town of Wyoming, is spoken 




James M'Cray. 



of as the pioneer iron founder. lie was of Irish descent, born at Glassdrum- 



42 MEMORIALS OF THE 

inond, Apiil 3, 1791. November 4th, 1817, lie married Jane Mai-shall. They 
came to America in 1821, settled in the State of New York, where they 
remained until 1838. At that date, with his family Mr. McCray came to 
(Jrandville, Mich., where he built the first foundry and machine shop in 
the Valley. Wliile at Grandville he built the first steam engine that wa< 
made west of Detroit for the steamboat '* Paragon," that ran on the Grand 
Kiv(n-. In the winter of 1^44-0, he removed to (irand Rapids, and in en- 
partnership with Daniel Ball carried on the same business on the bank of 
the river. 

He died suddenly May 31st, 1851, while sitting in his chair after supper. 

Mr. McCray was a thorough mechanic — quite ingenious. He was rather 
a silent man, modest and unassuming in his bearing; recognized as thor- 
oughly honorable; a good and worthy citizen, seeking no prominence. 

His wife, at the good old a/e of 82, died Aug. 18th, 187-"i. 

The family were — Ann (.Mrs. Myron Royce), born at Kilhnaen, Ireland, 
June 20th, 1820. Died at Wyoming, Feb. 21st, 1870. 

George, who died young. 

Gilbert Marshall, bom at Skaneatcles, N. Y., May 13th, 1820, was 12 
years old when the family came to Michigan; was bred to his father's busi- 
ness, at which he became a master workman. In 1854, he and his brother 
went into business for themselves, running' a machine shop, and doing an 
extensive l)usiness on Waterloo street. In 1858, he was elected Mayor of 
Grand Rapids, otherwise he has not been an official person. After a few 
yeare building steam engines, etc.. the McCray Brothers closed their busi- 
ness, sold out, the brother going' to the war, and G. M. taking his old pla<i' 
as foreman in the large foundry, which beg'an with his father. As Mr. 
McCray is still one of us, in his prime, I pass him with the remark, that we 
wish we had more like him. 

Stewart B., born at Skaneateles, N. Y., July IGth, 1828, the Siamese twin 
brother of G. M., who together were always known as the McCray boys: 
their identity seemingly inseparable; was bred as was his bi'other, and their 
fortunes were always identified. In the war, he was SecOnd Li<'utenant in 
Co. D, 2d Mich. Cavalry. From exposure and hardship, for which be was 
unfitted, he contracted disease of the lungs, which compelled his retirement 
i'rom the sei-vice, and resulted in his death from consumption Aug. 5th, 1865. 
He was a man of the most amiable character, very intelligent, and very 
much beloved. He left a wife and young family. 

Sarah — wife of Andrew Furgerson, Grand Rapids. 

Mary Jane — the youngest, the idol, died single. 

JAMES m'kEE. 

He is a Vermonter; born at Arlington, Jime 19th, 1823. His father was a 
physician. In early life he had every advantage for personal development; 
studying at Bennington and Manchester Academies, He entered Yale Col- 
lege at the age of 18 — one year in advance — graduated at 21; went to New 
York City and studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1848. The next year 
he came to Clinton county, Michigan, where he practiced as a la^vyer. In 



GEAND BIVKli VALLKY. 



43 



1850, at Grand Rapids, he entered into partnership with John Ball in tho 

law and real estate business; in -— 

which relation he now stands. As 

a public man, Mr, McKce has 

only identifii'd himself with the 

educational interests of the city 

of Grand Kiipids, having been for 

twenty years a school officer. 

Ill ls.')6 he was married to Miss 
Hannah Lang'don. 

As a lawyer, Mr. IMcKee ha'' 
appeared but little at the bar. ( "f 
a retiring' disposition, he seeks no 
publicity; and he believes a mim 
may be a man, and not find his 
public esteem in the honors of 
office. He is one of the men w1h> 
know themselves, iind k no winy- 
he is not by nature fitted for fo- 
rensic strife, has kept him-self out 
of the arena, maintaining' sdf- 
reapect and public esteem. James MKee. 




WARREN P. MILLS. 

This pfentleman, so lonpr one of those whom everybody knew, and whose 
c:»^niiil presence was the life of the social circle, Wi\s born at Uydensburf, N. 
Y., March in, 1812. Of his early 
life, we know but little. This 
much is certain, he was not among 
the favorites of fortune, but had, 
in musical phrase, " to paddle his 
own canoe." He came to Grand 
Kapids in 1836, where he ever 
after re.sided. We first know of 
him as a fi^rocer, keepinpr a small 
store at the foot of Pearl street; 
soon, in connection with his broth- 
er, runm'ns" a small hardware store 
at the same place. wiHi W. D. 
Foster as their chief workman. 
Sold out to Foster S: Parry— it 
was the beprinning' of the im- 
mense hardware establishment 
with which the honored Foster 
•.vas so long identified. For a 
considerable time, Mr. Mills was 
in ditfi rent kinds of mercantile busincsr,, which he gave up for specula- 




Warren P. MiUs. 



u 



MEMORIALS OF TnE 



tion, in no regular line, but engaging in what promised success— accumula- 
tins? a handsome fortune. 

Mr. Mills though sedulous in affairs of his own interest, by no means was 
a mere machine for making a fortune; but had no small hand in public 
affaire. Eminently social, he regarded what was for the good, and especial ly 
the comfort and happiness of others; and was ever on hand when wanted, to 
Further any good cause. He served the public in various capacities— as city 
alderman, president of the Kent County Agricultural Society, etc., and 
always to the public satisfaction. 

He was twice married; first, to Alice, daughter of Darius Winsor, who 
lived but a few years; and, second, to Miss Helen M. Downos, who, as his 
widow, survives him. He left three children— two sons and one daughter. 
Hif* death occurred July 28, 1868. A large concourse of people tes iied 
their respect at his funeral, when he was buried with the highest Masonic 
honors. 

At the opening it is intimated that Mr. Mills was a character. It is hard 
to make him, by the pen, live again. Ho was, as his picture says, an un- 
<>ommonly good looking nran; of commanding presence, but the furthest pos- 
sible from being repellant. Jovial to the last degree, in his bluff, hearty 
way, he had a mirth-exciting word for every one; so much so that the very 
sight of him coming, was a guaranty that fun was ahead. His humor was 
irresistible; but it wa.s not so much what he said, as the inimitable way of 
his saying it. Naturally it will be inferred that he was a man of strong 
sympathies, which is but the simple truth. He was the one to whom the 
appeal in distress was never directed in vain. Making no pretensions lo 
g-oodness, and despising all show of the self-satisfied spirit, he disregard^ d 

conventionalities, and often w, s 
contented to appear to less advan- 
tage than in his real character. 
All follies of his life were forgot- 
ten, and his vii'tues remembered, 
when death took him from sight. 
He rests under the tall granite 
monument in Fulton Street Cem- 
etery. 



JOHN E. MORRISON. 

The subject of this article was 

one of those who, in 1833, settled 

in loniacounty. His birth was at 

"T-eadlng, by Seneca Lake, in New 

York, July 10th, 1805. He wa.-^ 

aised in Wayne county, under 

nfavorable circumstance's. At the 

ge of twenty he moved with his 

lather to Oakland county, Mich. 

At the age of twenty-eight, with 

he made his appearance at Ionia. 




John E. Worrison. 
his wife, one child, and some property, 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 



45 



The jouitipy— drivi'iifj cattle, sheep and hogs — occupied nine days; of conrse, 
ramping in the woods. 

Mr. Morrison has always been a farmer; formerly in Berlin, now'in Ionia. 
Ho has held town office a good deal; Berlin making use of him as supervisor, 
justice of peace, etc. In 18:?'>, wh^n all tlio county was a town of Kalama- 
zoo county, he was elected clerk. When Ionia county was organized, he wiu-' 
elected tn>asur.'r. 

May 4th. IS'tO, he and Miss Eliza ^MoKolvy took each other for better or 
wor.se; and still (l^^Tfi) remain tocrether, in spite of all facilities for divorce, 
and through the courtesy of Death, who seldom allows so long a union. 
They do not look as though they were, with trembling step, treading on for- 
bidden ground; but rather as though the green old age they are passing was 
their own. We have a special liking tor old things; especially for marriage 
relations of long duration; and we especially venerate the old man and wo- 
man who, having piussed a long life togethiu', lovingly die at the same time. 
When the fifty years cornea round, plea«e remember us in your cards of 
invitation. 

The baby boy Morrison brought with him, is Joseph Morrison, of Stanton. 



LYMAN MUUIIAY. 

Bom at Brutus, Cayuga county, N. Y., Nov, 10, 1S19; but raised in Se 
eca county, Ohio, he grew to man- 
hood under untavorable circum- 
Btances, with little chance for ed- 
\ication. He early acquired the 
habit of reading, and aided only 
by books, picked up a fair educa- 
tion, BO that we find him quite early 
at^^aoher. In that business he has 
been engaged more or less until 
recently. 

In 1846. he left Ohio and came . 
to Kent county. He had been twice 
married before coming, his first 
wife living but a short time. With 
his second wife, Mary Jane Thomp- 
■son, lie located in Sparta, but two 
years afterwards removed to Al- 
pine, where he now (187G) resides 
— a farmer. 

The people in Alpine have ever 
been disposed to recognize Mr. 
Muiray as one of their leading 

men: and he has, perhaps, more than any other man, been kept in 
business — almost a stereotype supervisor. 

But Mr. I^Iurray's public service has not been confined to the toAVn, 
four years (18G7-70) he sensed in the House of Representatives; was a 
ber of the Constitutional Convention in 1867, and senator in 1874, 




Lyman Murray. 



publiO 

For 
m( m- 



46 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



Mr. Murray is a veiy unpretentious man, who boars the title of " Hon." 
very modestly. His years do not admonish him that his life-work is by any 
means completed; and he is not old enough to talk about before his face. 



JAMES MILLER. 

He was born at Winchester, Conn., Feb. 11th, 18211. He is a lineal de- 
scendant of Thomas Miller, who emigrated from Birmingham, Kng., a'jout 
1050. He is the sou of Joseph Miller, who, for twenty-seven years, was a 




James MUler. 

lawyer in Connecticut; then removed to Richland, Kalamazoo county, where 
he died, in 1864. 

Mr. Miller in his youth had the advantages of the common school, and a 
good academic education. Besides, he had the rare advantage of having an 
able and scholarly father, whose wisdom he early learned to appreciate. His 
father was his tutor in his earlier studies and in his profession — the law; and 
he feelingly recognizes that guiding spirit in the establishment of his moral 
principles. 

Applied to for the data from which to give a sketch of his life, Mr. Miller 



GRAND RIVEU VALLEY, 



-aid his life-history was a tissue of negatives. He could toll what he had 
»i«Klone, and grave a lonj? list. "He had not held office nor sou«,'ht it." 
ClTiere he was in error; he wa-s justice of the peace, and a good one.) That 
he had not been a political aspirant, we all know. But the party to which 
he belongs — the wrong party in Kent county to win — have by sheer forct; 
compelled him to be theiv candidate for the most honorable ofhces. " As a 
lawyer, he has not proinr)t^'d quarrels, but has sought to make peojile behave 
themselves.'' That's trae as preaching. " He had not cheated, swindled or 
deceived." We all know that before he said so. He continued the state- 
ment of what he had not done much further; but when it came to telling 
what he had done, ho said, " Nothing; my life is all negative." 

At the a^e of twenty-one he commenced the practice of law at Grand Rap- 
ids. In 1)S46, he married Miss Ada Smith — the same spoken of as the one 
who gave name to Ada. 

He lias always remained at Grand Rapids, and has secured the reputation 
among the lawyers of being one of the few wiio are always right. Indi'itend- 
ent in thought, he hail rather be riglit than be president. "His liest satis- 
faction he finds in books; and while he takes a hopeful and general interest 
in his f'llows and their affairs, iind diligently studies and watches the grand 
unfoldings of the age, lending a hand in the way of aiding and fostering its 
developments, when necessary, he is not from habit, circumstances, or pre- 
dilection, dis])osed to meddle overmuch in matters which will be a-s well 
taken care of without, as with his effort." 'I'his quotation is from Miller him- 
>elf, and who knew better than he ';:' 

" wad seme power the giftie gie us 
To see oursels as othera see us." 

Miller has not that gift. When 
begets to be an old manwe will 
toll him what we think of him. Un- 
til then, wo hoj^e he will go on just 
about as he has done — working for 
his own interest and the good of 
society — promoting peace, and 
iiringing sinners to their knees. 



JONATHAN E. NASH. 

Mr. Xash is a native of ^lasjsa- 
chusetts; born at Greenfield, May 
28th, 1S20. His early advantages 
were good. At the age of twenty- 
six, as Yankee young men are apt 
to do, he "came West," and found 
himself in Sparta, Michigan, where 
he pitched his shanty, took up land, 
and engaged in subduing it, and in 
lumbering. In time, he put up a Jonathan E. Kash. 

saw-mill; and, as is generally the case, that was the nuclei 
38 






of a littlo 



48 



MEMOUI.VLS OF THE 



\ilhi.ire. wliich has; doveoped into wlint is now the snug place — Sparta 
( 'cntro. 

He has l)oeii miuli in piiuhc life— supervisor, justice of the peace, etc.: a 
;:eueral factotum of the to-A-n. If the prayers of those who know him best 
avail, he will live forever; for they have become so accustomed to swear by 
Jonathan, that they will be slow to adopt another form For further notic:'. 
see the histoiy of Sparta. 



ABEL PAGE. 

.\bel rage wa^ born in Kin Ige, N. H., Jan. oO. 17^.'>. In 1807, he married 

Miss Zilpha Barnes, daujjhter of a 
prominent farmer of Vermont, 
and located at Hutland, in that 
State. In lX.\Ot, his fortune hav- 
ing- been suddenly swept away by 
an unfortunate indorsement for a 
friend, he emigi'ated to the terri- 
tory of Michigan, and located at 
Grand Kapids. There, although 
over fifty years of ago, he applifd 
himself cheerfully, energclicali.x 
and successfully, by agricidtun' 
and the locating of lands, to the 
recovery of the competence (-<i 
necessaiy to the comfort of his 
wife and six chihlren. 

T)e;u-on Page had a delicate re- 
finement of nature which miglit 
seem to unfit him for the rough 
Ahri pnfjf. experiences of a pioneer life; but 

his industrious and enterprising disposition, coupled with a magnificent 
piiysique, nnub' toil no bm-den to him; and he delighted in the rural lit-' 
which afforded an opportunity to read fresh wonders evei'y day from the 
(/pen book of Nature. He varied his more hardy lalx>rs by the cultivation of 
fniit and {lowers, for which he had a passionate fondness, and which throve 
UKUTelously under his sympathetic touch. He planted the first nur.sery inth ■ 
( Iriind Kiver Valley, and for years supplied the early settlers with the choicest 
varieiies of grafted fruits, and with plants rai'e in this west Tn region. Dea- 
con Page was one of the founders of the Congregational church in (1 rand Rap- 
ids, and for tw^enty years labored, heart and hand, with his pastor, the Rev. 
.lames Ballard, for the temporal and spiintual advancement of his beloved Zion. 
His piety, though entirely unostentatious, was eminently practical, imparting 
a rare sweetness to his manly strength of character, and maldng his daily life 
a quiet example and an abiding influence. His active membership with the 
Siibbath school and Bible class was life-long; he was an earnest student of the 
scriptures, and an able expositor thereof. No weather was sufficiently severe 
to detain him from the appointed services in the house of God; even when he 




GRAND KIVEU VALLEY. 



49 



rnnsiilored it too inclfmont for tho exposure of liis fiuiiily and horses, he woulil 
ti-.ivei-se on foot tlie two miles thronj^h the woods between his home and th<' 
ihnrch. Hoin*r swiid and kindly in his nature, he made any place or assem- 
l>ly la-i'.ditcr and b«'(ti'rfor his preseiicf; and, at his dcatli, the wliole com- 
munity felt that a truly frood man was {jone to a home for which his earthly 
pilgrimajre had lif^n a steady jircparation. Tho first illness that he had i-vcr 
»'xperit'nc<*d was that which provcil fatal, in Ajiril, ls:)4. Hisestimahle wife, 
u true helpmate, had preceded him in the year lS4n; and the eldest son, Wil- 
liam, fell a victim of cholera, at Detroit, in LStl, at the ajjfe of twenty-five. 
Of the other children, Sophia married the Hon. Daniel D. Bacon, of Monroe, 
•Mich., and died in the year 18.")4. Loraine became the wife of the Hon. 
Wni. A. Hichmond, of (Irand Hapids; and Harriet married Dr. Cyrus Knai>ii. 
r)f Cincinnati, < >hio. Abel T. inherited the iiomestead farm, near (Irand 
Hapids, and Aaron H. located at (Jrand Traverse, where he .still resides. 

Com. 
Death levels us not — the body may lie 
KntomVied in the earth, bnt that is not to die; 
^I'he tomb is not lowly that is hallowed by tears. 
And whose r«>conl of life is of dei-ds. and not years. 
The fjrave closes not o'er the {jooil and the wise, 
They still live on earth, and they livi' in the skies. 



LoIiKX .M. WUM]. 

For a lonjr time, ]\Ir. Pa<re has been one of those whom everybody knew, 
beinf; one of the pioneers — often 
an official man. Ht; wa-s born 
at Concord, Vt., March L'!»th, 
If^ll; Wius brouyht up on a farm, 
with the common advantajires of 
Yankee boys, until he was six- 
teen. Then receivint; a sever 
wound, whi(.h was likely to ren- 
diT him inetticient on a farm, he 
learned the trade of painter; serv- 
ing,'' an ai)prei)liteship in Canada, 
anil workiuy there until the a^i' 
of twenty-three. Then he re- 
turned to N'ermont, where for 
three years he spent his time 
alternatin<^ l>etween paihting and 
ti'.ichinir. as is very common in 
the New En<rland States. There 
the schools in the winter are 
tauyht only by younff men. 

In 18"i(3, he heard flattering re- 
ports concerning Michigan, and 
especially of the Grand River Valley, and came on, arriving at Oraiiil 




Lo 



50 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



Rapids, Sopt. 7th. He got work with Aaron Sibley, whom the next year he 
bought out; going into trade in groceries, etc., on Monroe street. The same 
year he married Miss Jane Soper. 

A life of hard labor has had its varied fortune, reverses and disappoint- 
ments; but leaving him a comfortable independence for approaching age. 

Mr. Page has had much to do as a public servant of the city; assessor, five 
yt'ars; alderman, etc. 

During the war, he was represented in the army by five sons; one of whom 
— Fernando — came home with both of his feet shot oft"; one of the veri/ few 
who survived such a loss. 

Mr. Page is an unpretentious man, whose air bespeaks native kindliness, 
and whose geniality invites confidence. Long life and happiness attend 
him. 



SHERMAX M. PEARSALL. 

In this article, Mr. Pearsall will partially be allowed fo be autobio- 
graphical. 
He was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., Dec. 11, 1817; received a good 

academic education, and made use 
of his education as a teacher. He 
moved to Michigan in 1827; was 
married Dec. 19, 1841. In Feb., 
1843, the memorable cold winter , 
he located hims'slf at the place 
where he has since lived. Looking 
at his fine residence and broad 
acres, he is happy to i'eel that 
things are not as they used to be, 
when on those same acres he got 
lost, hunting for his cattle; and 
when he stubbornly joined issue 
with the forest trees, and changed 
the heavily timbered land into 
fields of yellow grain. 

With a strong constitution, not 
enervated by indulgences, he has 
never known sickness. With en- 
ergy to fight the battle of life, he 
has secured independence. Be- 
cause he meant to be a man, his 
townsmen have put him forward, making him one of their leaders. 

As a temperance man, he is a pioneer, if not the pioneer in setting the 
example of not fax-nishing liquor at a raising. He was told that his large 
barn could not be raised without liquor. He said, " It shall be, or I will go 
without a barn." And, as it proved, the prophets of evil slandered Alpine. 
The barn was raised, and the good people of the town named it " Temper- 
ance," and departed, giving three cheers — one for Pearsall, one for his barn 
and a third for his baked pigs. 




Slierman U. Pearsall. 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY, 



51 



Mr. P. has served or rested long in the (in Alpine) sinecure office of justicf 
of the peace. He says: "A more peaceable, quiet town it is hard to find. 
One of my predecessors, who had served four years, told me he had not had 
a case of litifration in tliat time. 1 have done about the same amount of 
business. I3ut I have chopped, cleared and fenced one hundred acres of tim- 
bered land; have never used an ounce of tobacco, or a gill of liquor; havt 
not seen ten days in the last thirty years or more, when I have not been able U 
do a good day's work; for which I ought to feel a good degree of thankful- 
ness. I have seen this region changed from a wilderness to beautiful fai-m.<. 
with fine houses, where families have been growing up, and have been 
educated along side of my own. "We have had six boys and two guls. One 
died in infancy; one son died in the army; one son, seventeen yeai-s old, wa.s 
drowned; one daughter is married and living .in Grand Rapids. The rest 
are at home." 

As Mr. Pearsall is still in the vigor of life, we will leave him to work his 
way a little longer; but will confidently trust, that, as he walks the streets of 
(Jrand Hapid-s, his face will not (like some that could be mentioned), be a 
red beacon light, warnmg all who approach— "Go not near tho whisky 
hole! " 

Sailing o'er life's fitful ocean. 

With eye upon the steady pole-star; 

Giving rocks and shoals a lee- way; 

Steering by the chart and compass; 

Safe is gained the wished-for haven. 



JOIIX W. PIERCE. 

October 26th, 1874, was a sad day for Grand Rapids, 
of the sudden death of their gen- 
eral favorite, J.W. Pierce, seemed 
to sprciwl a funeral pali over the 
city. From IS^JC, he had been 
identified with the place; every- 
1 ody knew him, and to know him 
was to esteem with a feeling alike 
to love. Socially a favorite — every- 
body's friend and genial com]ian- 
ion, a man above the suspicion 
of guile; keen, witty and open- 
hearted, there was a pleasant 
magnetism about him, that won 
and retained friends. No one 
could dislike him. He was a man 
of shrewd good sense, and of 
sound business capacity; honest 
and honorable in all his dealings, 
eminently social, and hearty in 
his intercourse with others; sim- 
ple in his habits and tastes — in fine 



The announcement 




^ -^ ^^ 
John W. Pierce. 



a most lovable, genial gentleman. 



.V2 MEMORIALS OF TUE 

Mr. Pierce was born at Gencseo, N. Y., Dec. 4th, 1814. He had a good 
academical education; spent his early years in preparation for mercantile 
linsiness, which business he followed during his life. 

He came to Grand Rapids in 1836, as a clerk in the employment of the 
lion. Charles H. Carroll, then owner of the Kent plat. He pretty soon 
opened a book store, the first in the Valley. This book store was at tht? 
northeast corner of Kent and Bronson streets, where he remained in l)usi- 
ness untU 1844, when he embarked in general trade on the comer of Canal 
and Erie streets, where he erected the first brick store on Canal street. In 
]-'->71, his buildings on Canal street were destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of 
^:)0,00U. Thenextdayhe said: "It is nothing but property. It has not 
put a weed on my hat." With characteristic energy and good nature, he 
set about the work that fire had made a necessity. But it is not ouri)urpose 
to specify the buildings he erected, or the business he did. John W, Pierce 
was more known a.s a man than in his relation to business and money. 

In 1842, he mai-ried Sarah L., daughter of Col. Roberts. In his family, he 
was the honored and beloved husband and father. He was always ready to 
help the public; was one of those who were always on hand when it was 
proposed to do some good thing. He held several jtuVtlic otficas. but never 
was in'the habit of asking for thfnn. The puVilic knew full well that if they 
trusted their interests with .John W. Pierce, all would be right. 

Mr. Pierce wius bolovv ordinary size, very athletic, wdth a finely strung 
nervous temperament; was simple and temperate in his habits; always ex- 
emplary in his morals. No one ever suspected that he intentionally could 
do wrong. His word we all believed, for we knew him. 

Such is but an imperfect pen portrait of .John W. Pierce. His genial face 
is .shown in the accompanying jncture. The present generation will cherish 
the remembrance of his genial personality. 

" Were I so taU as to reach the stars. 
Or gra-sp the heavens with a span. 
Still I'd be measured by my soul. 

For that's the standard of the man," 

So wrote Watts, and so felt John W. Pierce. 

ABRAM W. PIKE. 

Mr. Pike, whose definition of the rights of the public over the officers of 
thfir creation, has identified his name ^vith an important political axiom, 
was bom at Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 5th, 1814. His early Kfe wa<s spent in 
humVjle circumstixnces on a farm. A\'ith but the common school advantages 
for education. He came into iMichigan in 1827. At the age of nineteen he 
went into a store at St. Joseph, as clerk. He was for a time an assistant in 
the Indian Mission School at Niles. In 1838 he entered into the employ of 
tlie Port Sheldon Company, and was by them placed in charge of their store 
at Grand Rapids. He was afterwards placed in charge of the property of the 
company, to wind up their affairs; in which business he spent three years. 
It is from the recollections of Mr. Pike that the article on Port Sheldon was 



OKAXD RIVKR VALLKY. 



53 



wrilt«>n. In 1844 he took up his residence at Graml fJni.i.ls, where 
since residoil. Mr. Pike has heen 
twiee niiirrit'd; first in 1X41 to Miss 
Minora l*rii)r. who died in 18"kJ; 
seconi! to Miss Kliza J. Hoijerts, in 
Is.'m. lliti l.nsint'ss has always been 
in connection witli merchandizini;?'; 
most of the time as one enii)loyed. 
He is a man )>elow the conunon 
^i/A^ active and enerj^etic. social, 
ffcnial and tnisty. It has never 
liccn his habit to jint himself for- 
ward, and is no oHice-s»H'k<^r. He 
v.as city marshal in 1^47-^; other- 
vise ht^ has not been an oHicial 
character. Still j'onthful in ap- 
j) 'aranci', hejirt and action, it is to 
lit' hoped that many years may 
I ass before we miss his j^i-nial 
presence, where the hearty t;reet- 
iiif; of those who have known him 
lOnff. is snre to ni.-et the response 
of soal-revealiiiir conrti-sv 



he has 




Abram W. Pike. 



1)K. ALUN/O TLATT. 

I'lie doctor has been so long at <-Jraud Rapids that he is rocjar 
of Uie city fathers — one of those 
whose identity with the city beffan 
early and has continned until the 
present tini". Now, in a green old 
a<re, he and Dr. Shepard are the 
patriarchs of the medical profes- 
sion, and lonfj niay it be before 
liieir shadows shall be less, or be- 
fore the younyer members of that 
noble profession shall be so lackiniGf 
ill self-respect, as not lo doff their 
leavers in respect to their sn}ieri(ns. 

l>r. I'latt is anative of 8tei)hen- 
ton, Kensselaer Co., N. Y.. where 
lie first saw the lifrht, .Tannary 10, 
ISOC). He was educated at Lenox 
Academy. Mass., and frraduated at 
the Berkshire Medical School. I'ec, 
1 X2~. He practiced in his profession 
two years in Western New York; 
ranie to Micliiyan in 1S:>2: stopped 
at Yiisiianti one year: removed to 
Aiir. Arbor, and from tlience to Grand Rapids, in 1S42 



.le.l 




Dr. A'onzo rratf. 

SettL'd at last, he 



54 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



lias always remained. And now, with locks unsprinldcd with gray, he is 
still in the practice of his profession; doing all the business he wants to, and 
enjoying his otium cum dignitate, and well-earned fortune when patients do 
not need him. 

He is willing to give place to younger and more needy men; and without 
envy, bids them God-speed; hoping that having laboriously won for them- 
selves fortune and respect, they may eventually enjoy old age as he is 
doing. 

It does not seem hardly fair to characterize a man when there is a fair 
prospect that he will read the article. But there are so:ne things that must 
be done; and we cannot afford to delay printing this book until all spoken 
of are dead. 

Nature was not very liberal with Doctor Piatt. She left him with a poor 
constitution — with an unconquerable diffidence. What nature denied him, 
he felt; but an indomitable w/// enabled him to triumph over natural defi- 
ciencies, and achieve position as a man among men; and place himself 
favorably before the public as a citizen and as a physician. 

In religion, he is an Episcopalian; and has been for thirty years a warden 
in St. Mark's Church. 

As a man, he is a very modest one, and a good deal less disnoscl to tak<! 
on airs than some who don't know half as much. He thinks less of himself 

than others think of him. and he is 



now too old to think of reforming. 

There, Doctor, I know you will 
not like that; but I could not help 
it. It is with the writer as it was 
with the little boy who was repri- 
manded by his teacher for whistling 
in school. He said: " I didn't whis- 
tle; it whistled itself." 

WILLIAM T. POWERS. 

Mr. Powers is one of the mm 
who, starting from humble begin- 
nings, has achieved fortune and po- 
sition by innate force and deathle s 
energy. He originated in New 
Harapshii-e; born at Bristol, July 
8th, 1820. He had a very limited 
education; was apprenticed to the 
cabinet business; and, as appren- 
tice, journej'man and proprietor, he 
worked at that trade until after he came to Michigan. At Lansingburg and 
'I'roy he made and lost a little fortune. 

He came to Grand Rapids in 1847. with about $500, and commenced busi- 
ness on a small scale, employing one man. His shop was near the foot of 
Canal street, on the cast side. One year after, he entered into pai-tnershi]) 




WiUinm T. Powers. 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 55 

with Manrico Ball, and the business was onUirfjed. In 1851, they built a 
saw-mill on the canal, and also a cabinet factoiy, in which were employed 
about twi'nty-five men, which numbLT w;is afterwards increased to forty, or 
more. This partnership business was successful, and Wiis the basis of the 
fortunes of both the partners. It was dissolved in 1855. 

In lS.")fi, Mr. P. built, at the h( ail of the rapids, the first circular saw-mill 
in the State. In it he put a machine, of his own invention, for splittinjj 
plank into scantling. That was the beginning of the now perfected ma- 
chinery for sjilitting and edging lumber. 

In \^&j, he commenced his groat work of improving the water-power on 
the west side; built the dam, and the canal— expending $100,000. On this 
he has erected several buildings for manufacturing purposes, saw-mill, 
brush factory, faucet factory and machine shop. 

Near the junction of Canal and Pearl streets he put up several buildings, 
which have since been bunied and rebuilt. In 1873. he put up the Arcade 
on which he expended $SO,OiX), exclusive of the lots. So much for Mr. 
Powers as one developing the material interests of the place. With wealth 
at his command, he does not feel like stopping. 

In 1857, he was Mayor of Grand Rapids; otherwise he has never been in 
public life. 

Mr. Powers is a man with strongly marked peculiarities, of great physical 
strength; as a business man enterprising and daring. He has much of 
inventive g»»nius. Proper culture would have made him great in that line. 
He has inventfd many things of value. These he has reiiched, not through 
science, but by his intuitive mental gra-^p, and by experiment. 

Precociously, in 1S:59, before he was 21, he married iliss Louisa Hall, of 
Troy, N. Y. She is still wilh him. 

As Mr. Powei-s is not surticienty venerable with yeai-s to wanant speaking 
out " right before his face," we dismiss h'nn with tliis account of his doings. 
His head is getting somewhat white, but he has not got the old man's 
privili'ge. We hope and believe, however, that when in good old age, ho 
shall shuffle off mortality, a very good obituary notice will follow. 

LEONARD H. EANDALL. 

He was l)orn in Darien, Genesee county, N. T., Nov., 1820, and his early 
life was somewhat favorable to mental development. His father was a well- 
to-do larmer, who gave him a fair chance for a good common education. When 
14 years of age, his father changed his residence to Genesee county, ]\Iichi- 
gan, where, having lost his property, he died in 1844, leaving young Leon- 
ard, a boy of 15, the main stay of the family. This position he held for 
four years, when a second marriage of his mother left him free to act for 
himself. His first movement was to improve his education, which the cir- 
cumstances of the past years had left very imperfect. He started out with a 
slender purse, walked to Detroit, and returned to the scenes of his earlier 
years, where he made an arrangement to work for his board and go to 
school. 

At 20 he went into a store in Canada, where he spent three years. Then 



56 



MEMOEIALS OF THE 



he commenced business for himself in a small wny, and was successful — so 
that, on coming to Grand Rapids in 1857, lie had about |5,000 capital. He 
there went into the groceiy trade, mostly as a wholesale dealer. His little 
capital with which he began, under his sagacious management, has expanded 
until he is understood to be one of the heavy men of the city, engaged in a 
diversity of business — lumbering, banking, etc. 

The ability of Mr. Randall was soon recognized. In 1871, he was Mayor 
ot the city, in which office he proved himself efficient. Since 1875 he has 
been city treasurer. 

Mr. Randall is stiU in active business, pushing his own fortune and that 
of those he has taken under his wing, for it must be confessed, that it is a 
weakness of his to bring forward and establish as business men, those who 
are in his service. 

If he is not spoiled by being sent to Congress (a thing seriously talked 
of), the community have much to expect from his business capacity and his 
public spirit. 



-coming in 1837 : and he 



HIRAM RHODES. 

^Ir. Rhodes was one of the pioneers of Ada- 
idways filled a large space in the 
town, in the double sense of the 
broad acres he occupied, and per- 
sonal esteem. An unpretending, 
Nini])le hearted man, of solid worth 
;ind good intellect, he was looked 
up to as one of the solid men; the 
leading farmer and a leading citi- 
zen. Quietly pursuing his own 
bnsiness, he never mingled in the 
strife for place and position; but 
tt^lt that home and its associations 
were more congenial. 

He was bom in Dutchess coun- 
ty, N. Y., in 1804. His fathei 
-moved to Monroe county, N. Y., 
when he was quite young; and 
there he shared the rough life and 
the privations of the pioneers of 
those days. In 1831, he removed 
with his ^vife and one child to 

Salem, Washtenaw county, ]\lich., where, as a pioneer, he resided until he 
came to Ada. In Ada he located, and occupied some six hundred acres of 
the best land on the right bank of the Grand River, where he spent the rest 
of his days. He died October 22, 1856, leaving a wife, two -.sons and three 
(laughters. One son and two daughters have followed him in death. 

()f Mr. Rhodes, there is no brilliant career to record, and no striking deeds 
characterized his life. In three places he led the life of a pioneer; and he 




Jlintm f;IiofIrs. 



GRANT) niVEIi VALLEY. 



OY 



liail just placed himself whore he could say his hard life was over, and whoro 
lif hoped to enjoy the well-eanied indopondence he haxl achieved; where ho 
iiiiirht develop his family— when dr-ath took hinj away. 

He was a uuin above medium size; reticent, and mif^ht be mistaken for 
euld-hearted. He wa-* eiiiini-ntly a family man. With his own, he wa.s 
reverenced lis wise, and beloved a.s warm-hciU-ted and kind. Few fathers 
have been more honored, or njore deserved esteem and reverence. 



WILIJA.M A. laCHMOM). 




The paivnts of tlit sul.jwt of this sk.'tdi— Jonathan and Rebecca Rich- 
mond — emijjrmted from Wes-tport, 
Mi\ss., to Aurora. N. Y., in the 
year 1W07, performin^j the long 
journey thi-ou<,di the wilderness 
on horseback. 

They were amon<; the first si-t- 
tlers of Cayufja county; an<l. from 
the home there estabhshed. sent 
forth, duriuf; fifty years, a larpre 
i'amily to a.>*sist in developing dif- 
ferent portions of the yreat AVest. 
The eldest son, William, gave his 
energies through a bu.-;y life of 
thirty-five} ears, to Michigan; and , 
two of his childn-n have been ^ 
identified, for ten years past, with 
the young and promising State of t* 
Kansas. The next generation *\ , 
may reach the Pacific coast, but "* 

the pecuhar joys and hardships 
of their forefathers can never be theii-s, for pioneering, in its true sense, is 
iinmbered among the things of the past. 

William Almy Riclimonil was boni in the beautiful village of Aurora, ou 
( 'ayuga Lake, on the •J>=th of Jan., ISOS. He was educated at the Cayuga 
.\cademy, among the faculty of which institution was the honorcd Salem 
'I'own. author of the well-known " Speller and Definer." 

The intervals of study were occupied in active exercise with the plow, the 
line, the scythe and the flail; but, while his hands were busy on the farm, his 
tlioughts were longimrly wandering to the great busy world which lay out- 
>i(le his quiet native village. In despair of ever making the lad a practical 
iiirnculturalist, his father, in the year 18'2G, obtained a clerkship for him with 
Mr. Henry Howard, of Geneseo, Livingston county, N. Y. This Mr. How- 
ard was subsequently the first State Treasurer of Michigan. 

In lf^28, lured by attractive re]iorts from the peninsular territory, Mr. Rich- 
mond, then a young man of twenty, joined an exploring party, and penetra- 
ted the wilderness as far as the village of Pontiac. Returning to the East, 
he entered the employ of a silk house in Pearl street, New York city, where 



William A. Richmond. 




58 MEMORIALS OF THE 

he remained two years; and then, for the same length of time, engaged in 
the mercantile business on his own responsibility. In the summer of 1834 he 
came to Michigan, with the intention of locating; but being attacked by the 
prevaiUng cholera," and afterwards by bilious fever— the faithful guardian of 
western wilds — he retreated from the apparently unfriendly soil. In I806, a 
strong tide of emigration commenced to flow westward, and Mr. Richmond 
started once more from Aurora, on horseback, accompanied by Mr. Philan- 
der Tracy, making the already far-famed Grand River Valley the objective; 
point. Thoy found at Grand Rapids a stirring little trading-post, of perhaps 
two hundred inhabitants, and there decided to locate. In company with 
Chas. H. Carroll, John Almy and Lucius Lj-on, Mr. Richmond contracted for 
the so-called Kent Plat, and became an eighth owner therein. In the same 
year, I806, he was elected to the convention assembled at Ann Arbor, by 
proclamation of Gov. Mason, for the purpose of converting the Territory into 
a State. From that time, Mr. Richmond was identified with the leading in- 
terests of Grand Rapids, and the State at large, in both business and official 
capacities. 

In 18:58, he was apiiointed by President Van Buren Receiver of the Ionia 
Land District; and by President Polk; in 1845, Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs. He served in the State Senate from 1842 to 1845, and one of the im- 
portant bills passed through his influence was that appropriating 6,000 acres 
of land for the building of the first bridge across Grand River, at Grand 
Rapids. In 1850, he was a candidate for the Lieutenant-governorship with 
Gov. Barry; and he held two commissions as brigadier-general of State mi- 
litia. Mr. Richmond took an active interest in the extension of railroads 
within the State, and was for some time one of the directors of the Michigan 
Southern. Politically he was a democrat, and his religious creed made him 
a loyal and active churchman. Besides attending to his private business — 
which was mercantile and banking — he filled the several pubUc offices to 
which he was called with acknowledged credit and ability. He was a man 
of enlightened views, of clear intellect, of sound judgment, of first-class busi- 
ness talents, and of progressive enterprise. Such a man must necessarily be 
intimately associated with the growth and prosperity of the section with 
which he identifies himself; and the name of William A. Richmond is en- 
rolled among Michigan's honored pioneers. He died at Grand Rapids, in 
the summer of 1870, at the age of sixty-two. R. R. 

JUSTUS C. ROGERS. 

This man is mentioned as one of the earHest settlei"S of Wyoming, where 
he has always resided. He is a Vermonter, bom Feb. 22d, 1813, at Middle- 
town, Rutland county. His father was a farmer and tanner; and he, until 
his majority, followed the same occupations, varj-ing them by attending 
school or teaching durmg the winters. At the age of 22 he man-ied Miss 
EUza M. French (who still is with him), and set out to find him a home in the 
West. After a stormy passage on the lake, in which the vessel was stranded, 
he arrived at Detroit, and from there on foot, with his pack swung on his back, 



GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 



59 




Ju>!us C. I^ojcrs. 



he ^■ontihvou^rh Illinois and M:clug;ui, brincjing up at tlie GranJ River VaN 

I'-y, bnaiiy locating at W yoniing, 

wiierc hr' has always lived, a re- 

spectoil, useful and honorjible 

citizen. 
Mr. R. is a man after no model 

but his own; enthusiastic and 

ardent in his ideas as a reformer. 

He ha-s been long known for hia 

zealous antagonism to tobacco — 

writing, printing, and preaching 

against its une. He has shown 

iiiniflelf an able writer. For a 

time he was assistant editor of 

ii paper— "The Great Western 
Journal." 

Whatever may be the opinion 
of others concerning the wisdom 
of his idea-s, all concede that con- 
viction of right in the only guide 
of Ilia life and conduct — that 
ng a devoted pliilanthropist, he 
labors alone for the good of mankind. Serious, almost to melancholy, he is 
always nilt-d by an overpowering 
idea. Latterly he has devoted 
himself to mathematical pur- 
suits, and especially to the con- 
struction of more perfect tables 
of Logarithms. Into this work 
he throws himself with his pecu- 
liar enthusiasm, and he is un- 
ilou1)tedly master of it. Whether 
" it is called for or not by the exi- 
gencies of science is veiy prob- 
lematical. Rut his full tables, 
carrying the decimals to fifteen 
figures, is proof of indefatiga- 
ble labor and inextinguishable 
zeal. 

He is, and has been, a scientitie 
farmer; clearing up and improv- 
ing a large farm, and making 
himself prominent in the Agri- 
cultund Society, as its Presi- 
dent, etc. 




Leonard Slater, 



LEOXARD SLATER. 

[For a sketch of the life and work of this pioneer missionary, nee page 301.] 



liO 



MEMORIALS OF TITE 



LEOXIDAS SCRANTON. 

Mr. Scranton was born June 21, 1822, at Covington, Wyoming county, 

N. Y. In early life he had the ad- 
vantage of a good common scliool 
education: and in addition, pur- 
sued his stndi(\s in tlie Academy 
at Romeo, under I'l-of. Nutting, 
having n strong penchant toward 
mathematics and surveying. 

At the age of nineteen, we fiml 
him witli Wm. A. Bin-t, assisting 
in the survey of to\vnshij> lines in 
the I'pper Peninsula, with wliom 
he learned tlu; practical part of 
Government surveyiiig. He fol- 
lowed thnt business until 184": 
either attending school or teaching 
in the winter. In 1847, he cjunr 
to (^rattan, and imrchased land on 
Sections 12 and 1:5. 

In 184\ he was in chai-ge of one 
of Pr. Houghton's surveying par- 
ties in the mineral rey'ion of the 




Lconiditu .S'()((«/on, 



Tie Doctor was dr )wned while coYidncting this snr- 
. dau^'-hl-rof Enhrain^ Calkin, of 



t'^pper Penin?!ulu. 
vey. 

He was married this year to Miss 
^IcComb county. 

In 18")G. Mr. S. was elected Register of Deeds for Kent county, which 
ritfice he held for four years, AVhile in this office, he. for his own conve- 
nience, made abstracts of all the titles in the county, on a plan originated 
by himself; which abstracts^ now the property of the county, have been estaV)- 
5ished by law as ■" jn^inia facie ' ' evidence of titles. Thi« was rendered neces- 
sary by the fite which destroyed the county records. 

After the battle of Bull Run, he entered the service of the country, as 1st 
Lieutenant in the 2d Michigan Cavaliy; spent the winter of 18(31-2 in the 
ramp of Instruction at St. Louis, under Gen. Goi'don Granger; was first 
Under fire at New Madrid, Mo-. ; participated in the siege of Corinth — was 
under Sheridan. 

July 1, 1862, in a fight at Brownsville, being in command of Company F, 
■on picket when the attack was made, by persistent fighting, he gave time 
for preparations by the General, for which he was promoted to Captain. It 
is sufficient to say that for three years he was mingled with the fortunes of 
the army in Tennessee and Kentucky, serving under Sheridan and Rosen- 
crans; was promoted Major Oct. 26, 1862; aecompanifd Sherman to At- 
Janta. in command of his regiment. He was in the fight at Buzzard Roost: 
und opened the battle at Resaca; driving in the rebel pickets and outposts, and 
taking tlie first lineef eartJi-woi-ks before the infantry came up. He was ia 



r.nAxn nivEii valley. 



ni 



till' iiLTiit at l.niiiu .Mountain, juul attain at Powdm* Spfinfrs. He was coni- 
iiiissioiit'd Coloni'l, Doc. 20, 1^(54. His conunission as Colonel was given at 
the close of hi a service as a compliment to a trallunt otHct-r, 

Peace restored, Col. Scranton returned to (hand Hapids, wheiv he has set- 
llfd down to the business of carriage buildinf;. Still in his prime, lont;: may 
hr live. 

ALONZO SESSIONS. 

l''or many facts concerning' Mr. Sessions, the reader is referred to tlie 
1 istory of Herlin. 

From the earliest times he haa been identified with the iiitcvoBts of loniu 




Alovto Sessiunt. 

.•oiinty. lie had his ori-in in New York; born at Slvane.i'(>!o=, .\u^. iih^f^h^^ 
lived with his his father, with commoti advantages tor persond improve- 
ment, until he was of age. At the age of 17 he co:iimenced teaching, 
anil for a number of years was a pai-t of the time so employed. Foi* a time 
he was clerk in a store at Bennington, Genesee county. 

In October, 1835, he came to Michigan to reside. Mr, Sessions is a n)an 



62 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



of commancllng: presence, energetic, with strong convictions — a natural 
leader— one of those who will have decided friends, and whose go-ahead 
pnergy will provoke and secure opposition. His honor and integrity are, by 
those that dislike him, conceded to be beyond doubt. With a genial and 
social nature, and rare conversational powers, he is an agreeable companion 
and warm friend; perhaps not very valuable as an antagonist. His stern 
sense of honor, and unyielding self-respect have not always led him to steer 
clear of others' antagonism— but by his friends he is considered a friend 
worth possessing, and by those, who love him not, he is respected as " JL 
foeman worthy of one's steel." 

Sdou it wa.s found that Mr. S. was a man the public could make use of 
He was made Justice of the Peiice in 1836, Supervisor of Cass, and chairman 
of the lioard in 18:i^<, sheriff of the county in 1840. For seventeen years he was 
supervisor and eight times chairman of the board. Ho was in the State 
Legislature from I'^'tO to 1S(J2. Internal Revenue Assessor 1862 — four years, 
Director of First National Bank at Ionia; its President since 1866; Presi- 
dent of the Farmers' ^lutual Insurance Company. Was Presidential Elector 
in 1872. At present (1877) he is Lieutenant-Governor of Michigan. 

In 1837, he married Miss Celia Dexter, daughter of the pioneer of Ionia. 
He has seven living children, and has lost about as many. 



AM ASA SESSIONS. 

Brother of the foregoing, now resident in Ionii, has been, in fortune and 

adventure, identified with him. As 
we have been unable to obtain the 
facts of his life-history, further than 
they are given in the history of 
Berlin, the reader is referi'ed to 
what is there said of him. 



CHARLES SHEPARD. 

Dr. Sliepard is one of the pioneer 
physicians of the Valley, being the 
third who established themselves as 
resident physicians. The first was 
the now venei-able Lincoln of Ionia: 
the second, Willson, the too early 
dead. Dr. S. was born at Fairfield, 
Herkimer county, N. Y., July 18, 
1812. in humble circumstances, and 
had but the common school chance 
for education. Ambitious, he went 
to studj-ing medicine with Dr. H. 
W. Doolittle. He attended lectures 
and took his degree at the Fairfield Medical College, March, 1835. In the 
fall of the same year, he came to Grand Rapids, then but a backwoods 




Atnasa 



GRAND RIVKR VALLEY. 



03 




vill:\g»\ There was little to do, and he eked out an existence by suiveyng. 
He and Willson soo:) after entered 
into partnt'i-shij). 

From tliis hunil)le befjinning^ he 
has grown witli the growth of the 
ri'gion; has long been the leading 
physician, and has taken rank 
among the most prominent citi- 
zens. He ha.s been more especially 
known as the surgeon, l.aving 
performed most of the operations 
which are tests of surgical skill. 
Now he li-aves the most ot medical 
practice to those who need the 
liusines*, and limits himself to his 
oftice. 

Hr. S., for several years, was 
one of the City Fathers, and at one 
time, mayor. 

In ISofi. he maiTied Miss Lucinda 
Tutnam. lb; has hail the great 
misfortune to lose his wiff and five Charles Shepard. 

chihlren— his all. His wife di<'d in April, 1872. 

Dr. Shepard is still alive, and will read this notice. Therefore, as he lias 
taken a new lease of life, little will be ?aid to characterize him. If tli • 

wishesof the people could avail, he »' 

will live forever. But if he ever [ 

does die, there will be a rousing 

funeral. 

ROBERT P. SINCLAIR. 

'Iliis gentleman is of Irish pa- 
r-'utage; the family coming to 
America in 1811, and settling in 
Seneca county, N. Y., at a place 
now known as Sinclair's Landing, 
on Cayuga Lake. Hi.mc Mr. Sin- 
clair became an extensive laud 
owner and dealer in grains, amass- 
ing a large fortune. 

Robert S. was bom at Romulus, 
( let. 17th, 1814. In his early life 
he had every advantage for ob- 
taining a finished education. He 
fitted for college at Homer and 
(»vid Academies. In the fall of 
1835, he entered Geneva College as a Sophomore. After one year, he went 
to Edinboro, Scotland, where he graduated in 1839; having, during hi. 
39 




Jtobcrt P. Sinclair. 



('4 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



vacations, traveled in England and France. Shortly after graduatinj? he 
retvmied to America, and came to Ann Harbor, Mich., where he read law 
with Kingsley Morgan, and was admitted to the bar in 184^3. For some 
years he was a business man in Washtenaw county, building and running a 
flouring mill. In 1846, he sold out and came to Grand Rapids, where he 
established himself a-s a lawyer and insurance agent, serving the county 
four years as Judge of Probate. 

Soon after the bri'aking out of the war, at the solicitation of the Irish 
citizens, he obtained authority to raise a regiu)ent of infantry. For this 
pui-pose he was commissioned Colonel, and raised the Michigan 14th Infan- 
try, commonly called the "Irish Volunteers." The regiment first went to 
St. Louis, Mo., and were first ordered to report to Gen. Halleck, at Pittsburg 
Landing, afterwards to Gen. Pope at Hamlnirg Landing. They were engaged 
in the battles at Farmington and Corinth, and were with the army at Big 
Springs. They made a forced mai'ched from Big Springs to Tuscumbia. 
.•\la. Against orders, and on his own responsibility. Col. S. i)ut his 
legiment in light marching order, and brought it through in better shape 
than any other. The regiment was at the siege of Corinth, in the battle at 
Stone River, and several others of less notoriety. 

In the sp)ing of 1863, broken health compelled Col. S. to retire from the 
service. Resigning his commission, he returned to Grand Rapiils. 

In 1866, he ^vas appointed Revenue Collector for the Fourth District in 
^lichigan. In this otticc he did not long remain, as the Senate did not con- 
firm his and many others of President .lohnson's nominations. 

A private citizen once more, Mr. S. returned to his old employment, which 
has I'csulted in fixing him as one of the solid men of Grand Rapids. 
He v^as married Sept. 17th, 1850, to Miss Julia H. Allen. 
Mr. Sinclair is a man of more than ordinary height; quiet and unassum- 
ing in his deportment — rather in- 
clined to be diffident; never blows 
his fnnnpet, or tries to make a dis- 
play. As a lawyer, he seldom ap- 
pears at the bar, confining himself 
to office business. He is more known 
as a business man than as a lawyer. 
It is not best to fully characterize 
the living. As we trust Col. S. has 
yet good years to pass before giving 
in his final account, we will leave 
the characterization incomplete. 

HEXRY SPRING. 

Tliis gentleman, who has been 
prominent as a merchant and mem- 
ber of the city council, was born at 
Fannersville, Cattaraugus county, 
N. Y., Feb. 7, 1830. His father 
was a farmer there, and is now a resident in the (own of Cannon. Soon 




Henry Spring. 



(JRAND RIVER VALLEY. 



65 



iiftor coming to Michi<,'an, in 1846, young Henry commenced clerking in the 
stores at Graml Rapids. In 1^.')4. he liegan business as a trader, in partner- 
ship with Amos Hathbun and David Hurnott. In 1860 the well-known firm of 
.Spring S: Avery was forme<l, which was dissolved in 1876. He is now the 
h-ading partner in a heavy dry goods store. I n 1870, he was elected alderman 
and served two years in the city ^ 

• ouncil. 

In 18.V4. he married Miss Annis 
A. Salisbury. 

Stdl in iiis prime, and as we hope, 
with the best part of hia life-work 
before him. we say little of him; 
trusting that the past is only an 
earnest uf the future. 

CANTOX SMITH. 

-V pioneer of 18^37, Mr. Smith 
ha.s been, and is, one of the land- 
marks; having been from the first, 
until lately, a leading hotel-keep- 
er, long identified with the Na- 
tional — which, rebuilt, ha.s been 
dn-istened the "Morton." '^^x' 

lie was born at Scituate, U. I., "y^« 
< >ct. 'JCith, 1822; was bred a farmer. Canhn ^milh. 

In 1S27, he married Miss Ann Angell, a woman of rare excellence, who 
died about 1864. 

Mr. Smith has always been an 
unobtrusive citizen, quietly attend- 
ing to his own business, diversify- 
ing it a little with roving iulven- 
ture. 

Now, in the quiet of indepen- 
dence, with enough of this word's 
goods and a fair j'oung wife, he is 
enjoying his ease. He has "seen 
the elephant;" has hunted griz- 
zlys; fed the hungry, and been 
happy. May his last days be his 
best. 

J. MORTIMER SMITH. 

Bora in New Milford, Conn.; 
moved to Dutchess county, New 
York, in childhood; to Michigan 

in 1836. Bought land and en- ■~''^* ^^ \?^\^ 

tered largely into the real estate '^- ^fortimer SmUfi. 

business. Married in Washington City, 1855. 






60 



MEMORIALS OF THE 




Martin L. Swcd. 



MARTIN L. SWEET. 

Mr. Sweet is one of those men, who, without the advantages wliich render 

rising in the world natural and 
easy, have placed themselves in 
business and social prominence. 
He originated in New York, as 
did most oi' the early settlors in 
the Grand River Valley. Born 
at Paris, Oneida county, February 
21st, 1819; brought up to hard 
work in a grist-mill, with limited 
chances for education, and obliged 
to work for all he ever expected to 
have, he has justly the credit of 
being ranked as a self-made man. 
He worked for others at his trade 
as a miller until 1842, when he 
came to Michigan, and built a 
flouring mill at Delhi. In March, 
1846, in company with John L. 
Clements, he commenced running 
the " big mill" at Grand Rapids 
— that mill, whose blackened tim- 
bers are now (1876) the sole rem- 
nant of the early structure on the canal. '' licqiiiescat in pace'' nmai now 
be said of that structure, which, in its origin, was a part of an unwise enter- 
prise, only partly carried out. 

But thinking of the venerable old mill, which had become hoary with age, 
we have departed from Mr. Sweet. In 1854. he built a large mill on the 
east side of Canal street, which, too, has gone up in smoke. 

In 1868, he completed the hotel at the foot of Pearl street, and which is 
known as Sweet's Hotel. 

He has long been engaged in banking; succeeded Daniel Ball as a private 
banker. His bank in time became the First National. Of that bank he was 
for many years the president. 

Mr. Sweet served the city four years as aldennan, and one year as 
mayor. 

It is sufficient to say of him thai yivaiicialh/, he is a success; that person- 
ally, everybody likes him for his frank simplicity and business integrity. He 
puts on no airs, and feels himself no bigger than he did when he was a poor 
boy, sitting by the hopper at the mill, picking out what should not be ground 
with the wheat. 

StUl hard at work, and not venerable with age, the time has not come to 
give the results of his life. We know this much — that while he lives he will 
go ahead, and will help to keep things moving; and we hope his genial pres- 
ence and business enterprise will not soon be among the things missing at 
Grand Rapids. 



GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 




CONE AD G. SWENSBERG. 

One of the institutions of which Grand Rapids is justly proud, is the Com- 
mercial College — estaUished and 
sustained by a man still young-, 
whose sense of honor, at the time 
when quack "commercial col- 
legt?s" were springing up in all 
liarts of the countrj^ led him, 
modestly beginning, to attempt 
to start a school which should be 
all it claimed; whose basis should 
be thorough instruction and 
strictly honorable dealing. With 
this end in view, he came to 
Grand Kapids with one whom in 
charity wo will leave namelss, ;ind 
opened a school — he doing the 
work, his partner managing to 
pocket the avails; and in six 
months leaving him to pay the 
di'bts that had been incurred, to 
the amount of $1,200. 

Mr. S., happily relieved of Mr. 
Blank, set himself to work to car- 
ry out his cherished plan, carrying the load that had been left upon him. 
This was in 18(56. 

As it is expected and hoped that Swensberg"s Commercial College will b.- 
one of the institutions of the city, and that it will, as long as he has the charge 
of it, speak for itself, through its graduates, it has been judged sufficient to 
give its origin, its principles, and the results of its ten years' existence. 

Prof. S., scorning all quackery, aims to make the instruction thorough, ex- 
haustive and practical ; and the testimony of leading business men is uni- 
form, to the superiority of the training received under liim. The Professor, 
having no honi of his own to blow, relies upon the results of his labors, and 
not on his professions. Those results have established the fame of his 
school as one that, standing on an honorable basis, needs no puffing. 

Professor Swensberg is a German ; born at Cassel, Sept. 20th, is:}5. When 
eleven years old, he came with his parents and an only sister to the United 
States. His father settled at Linn Grove, Erie county, Ohio. Being the 
only son, he was wanted on the fami (studying at intervals), but allowed to 
indulge his fancy for ship-building. His course of life and home associations, 
added to a fine physical organization, resulted in that cheerfulness of dispo- 
sition, business-like habits, and practical character, which have rendered 
him so suc( • 4n\ as a teacher. 

In 1857, his parents moved to the city of Muscatine, Iowa, where they 
soon after died. He then tried pioneer life in Iowa and Minnesota; taking 
up government land, and laying out townships and villages. For two years 



Conrad G. Swentibeiy. 



cs 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



he was clerk on the steamboat Equator, on the Mississippi. He held, durinff 
Ills residence in Iowa, various positions of trust from State and county. In 
J SGI, in accordance with a lon<f clierished desire, he entered upon a course 
iif study at Oberlin, 0., haviiiff previously sjx'jit some six years in the study 
of CJerman and music. For four years he centered at Oljerlin, but in that 
time entered the army as a private; wiis directly promoted to assistant-adju- 
tant, and afterwards to commissary-sergeant. A letter from liis command- 
iny officer to the author speaks of him as a very meritorious officer, worthy 
of a higher position. In 1861), as before stated, he came to Grand liapids. 
The Professor is not a cypher out of his school. He has a heart to encourage 
iiud a hand to aid every good work, and is identified with some of the manufac- 
turing interests of the city, aa well as its Christian and benevolent institutions. 

Still a young man, long uiay his 
genial presence and active spirit 
have their natural inliiicnce. 

C A L V I X TIIOM PSON, 

Was horn Oct. 1. 1820, at Guil- 
ford, Chenango county, N. Y. In 
18:W), he came with his father's 
family to Jackson county, Mich., 
and in 184;l, at the age of twen- 
ty-three, he located his present 
lieauliful homestead on section 
2'}, in the town of Courtlaiid, 
where, hy industry, economy 
and lair dealing with his fellow 
men, he has hecome one of the 
most thrifty and independent 
farmers of the coimty. 

He is one of the public men of 
his town, tilling various offices — 
supervisor, etc. He has two 

sons, John and WilUara, each of whom he has settled on a first-class farm in 

Courtland. 
He died in 1876. 




Calvin Thompson. 



JACOB WINSOR. 

He was the son of Darius Winsor; bom in Onondaga county. New York, 
June 11th, 1816; and came with the family, in 1833, to Michigan. He spent 
his younger days in the employ of others, in the mercantile business, espe- 
cially with the Indians. Early in life the two brothers — Zenas G. and Jacob — in 
partnership carried on a veiy diversified business — Indian trade, general 
trade, dealing in lumber, IjuiUling and running saw-mills — in fine, anything 
that had money in it. They built the stone store at the comer of Monroe and 
AVaterloo streets, one of the firet solid structures in Grand Rapids. In the 
earlier years of Grand Rapids their firm was one of the best known, doing 



ORAND RIVRR VALLEY, 



CD 







ill jrenoral that kind of rouiul-about business which was compulsory at tin- 
fiiiK', wlit'u L'veryliuifr was barter 
.111(1 no cash. Willi tlu-ir ups and 
downs, their successes and rever- 
ses, they were on the whole one 
'•f the most successful ami enter- 
prisin": business linns in the Val- 

Mr. Winsor was in business an 
.idventiU'T. For some years he 
was a silver miner in California; 
.md he also, when the plaster 
fever and salt enthusiasm were 
>>n the people, invested heavily, 
worked eni-rffetically. and made 
;i <;ood deal of money — over the 
l.'ft. 

Jacoli Winsor was not a man 
i-asily (•liara<'terized, and not easy 
t<i understand. He was iielow or- 
ilinary size. (|uick and nervous, 
liositiv<' and enerH'etic, carin<^ lit- 
tle for public oi)inion, puttinj^ his 
niiijrh,.st side out. He wa.s sym- 

piithetie and kind-hearted; a {genial mini in liis family, aii'l very social 
with the world. In business he was all i)usli. lie .scorned liy|)ocrisy: wiial- 
ever faults he had he never attempted to hide, and it excit-'d his ire if pei)- 
ple ^'ave him credit for any movement, however beneficial to the i)ublic, if 
lie kiMiw that his own interest wius the motive of his action. 

When a disease that never relents warned him that death was near, he 
lodked destiny squarely in the face, and with philosophical coolness set 
about puttin<^ thing's in order for his leaving. He died December 22d, 1874. 

His wife was Harriet Peck, of Lowell, who survives him. 




Jacob Winsor. 



MISS MAIIY W. WJIITE. 

This lady, the pioneer, and for a jreneration the only tetichor at Grand 
Haven, was born at Ashfield, Mass.. September IHlh, 181:5. Her advantages 
in early lil'e were good. She waseduc.ited partly in th<! Sandeison Academy 
and partly by that famous lady teacher, Miss Mary Lyon, from whom she 
feels the gained her inspiration as a teacher. She comtn'Miced teaching ah 
the age of sixteen; first a private, and then a district school in Ashiicld. 
Afterwards she. with her sister, taught aboavding schaol in Amherst. Mass. 

.Tune 10th, 18:'5, ehe came to Grand Haven, and soon opened a private school 
in the house of Mr. Ferry, nearly without pay. On the organizing of the 
district, she took charge of the school; in which she continued constantly. 
with the exception of a few months, until 18j2. She then taught at StcMiben- 
ville, Ohio, one year; and afterwai'ds, ten years as associate teacher in thu 



ro 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



seminary at Rockford, Illinois; making- in all thirty-fonr years of zealous 
labor as a teacher of the young. 

Miss White, now verging towards old age, is in the quiet eiyoyment of a 
competence, and is the honored head of the bachelor-home of her nephew — 
.Senator T. W. Fen-y, who was educated by her; and whose pride is, in her 
age, to cherish the guide of his youth. 




WARREX W. WEATIIERLEE. 

In early times at Grand Rapids, the old settlers will recollect a modest 

young man who spent much ot 
his time teaching school. We 
had not then the palatial school 
houses which aj'e our pride at the 
present day; but everything was 
on a modest scale. The young 
man referred to, was the subject 
of the present sketch. He has 
been identified with the city imtil 
the present time. ^Nevcr a public 
man, except in his younger years, 
as a tea^-'her, in which business he 
secured a good reputation. U<' 
wa.s, early in the history of the 
noted hardware concern, so long 
identilied with the name of tln' 
noble Wilder D. Foster, employed 
;is a salesman. In this capacity 
he has ever since remained — 
the right-hand man of the con- 
cern. 




Warrm W. Wcathcikc. 



He was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1820; had the advantages of 
iin academic education; leamed the trade of ca'ninet maker; early assumed 
tlie business of a teacher. In 1844. he cams to Grand Rapids, which was 
then a small place— one of the outskirts of civiHzation. His life has been an 
uneventful one. With high business capacity, he has chosen to remain in 
others' employ, rather than assume the hazards of doing business in his own 
name. The confidence of the firm in him is unlimited; and he don't work 
on a meager salary. His history has the one lesson: " Fidelity, energy and 
devotion to the interest of an employer, will be appreciated and rewarded." 
esppcially by such men as W. D. Foster. It is not always the best men that 
make the greatest spread, or whose biography is the most conspicuous. 

DR. ELMER WOODRUFF. 

Tlie subject of this article was born in the town of Farmington, Connecti- 
cut, Feb. 22, 1816. In his early childhood his parents removed to Cortland. 
N . Y. , where they settled on a farm. Until seventeen years of age he worked 



GRAND RIVE 11 VALLEY. 



71 



on thf farm, with tho common ailvaiiUi^^es of country boys at the time. IIo 
then was apprcntirrd to tli(> tra<li; 
"f cahiiK't and diair maker. In 
\XW). he ciune to Michigan, and 
worked at his trade at Homer, 
Calhoun oonnty, and at Union 
' ity, on the St. .hisi'pli Hiver. At 
the hi.-^t jilaee lie married Eleanor, 
the danyfhter of .John IJurt, of 
llumer. He afterwards removed 
to .Mhion, where he carried on his 
liusiness as cabinet maker until 
l^oT. He then abandoned his 
trade, and turned his attention to 
medicine. 

Fired with the thirst for {,'0^ 
and adventure, in l^'d he set out 
for ('alitornia, liut an untoward 
accident Ctnnpeiled his return, 
having gone no turther tlian the 
i'thmus. There he was acci»lont- 
,illy shot through the lungs, ami 
li!e was only saved by tour 
months of the most careful and skillful treatment. His case excited int<-r- 
est among the medical savans of New York, and a fac-simile representing it 
1- now in the Anatomical iluseum there. 

In the year 18VJ, he conuu"nced medical practice in the town of Decatur, 
\'an Muren county. From there he came to C.rand Rapids, where he has 
lieen in succL•^sful practice as a botr.nic physician ever since. 

It is understood that the doctor is engaged in writing a philosophical work. 
It will b:' time to speak of it when it appears. He is original in his concep- 
tions, and an innovator on current philosophy. With the enthusiasm of one 
who believes what he writ?s. ho hopes to enlighten mankind. 

The doctor has raised a family of one son and three daughters, all of whom 
are settled in life. Not an old man, he is still resident at Grand Rapids, as 
a physician, in quiet ottice practice; and is identified with the Spiiitualists, 
as one of their leaders. 




Elmer Woodruff. 



COR X ELI US VANDER MCULER. 

This man was a marked character, having a history in Holland and in 
Michigan. He was born at Middelhamus, in the kinglom of the Nether- 
lands, in ISOO. His early life was not conspicuous, and his education but 
common. He engaged in secular business until he was about 35 years of 
age. During this time he was a free-thinker, and man of the world. At 
this period his mind was turned to religicn, and for the rest of his life he 
was a devout and laborious minister of the gospel. 

The religion of the State was too cold for such as Vander Meuler. At 



72 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



aljout this time there was a secession from the State church, in wliicli lie 
heartily joined, beint,' the first in his pkxce to secede. He was mai^e an older 
in the church there established, and in 1838, became their pastor. He movetl 
to Utrecht, where he for a time studied under the Rev. H. P. Scholte, and 
was ordained and went to Rotterdam. He became a kind of a|)Ostle in thi' 
n 'w movement; preached fearlessly and under civil persecution and social 








Cornelius Vandcr Meuler. 



ostracism. His zeal had abundant results. Fearless and reliant, he preached 
i'l the open fields, in barns, and private houses. Mobbed and pe:-s3cuted, la- 
rose in enthusiasm, defyincj law and popular violence. 

For the sake of religious freedom, in 1841. many Hollanders removed to 
-Vmerica. Vander Meuler was the reli<?ioiis leader of the emigrants from 
the province of Zoeland, who founded the village of Zealand, in Michigan. 
AVith them he labored until 18o9, Vv-hen he went to Chicago. In 1801 he 
came to Grand Rapids, as pastor of the Second Reformed Church, where he 
labored until age and infirmity compelled him to resign in 1>7:5. He died 
August 23d, 1876, and was buried at Zealand. 



GRAM) ItlVKU VAF.LKV. T3 

With the Holland people his will always Ijf an honored name. An ex- 
t.-nd.'d memoir has been puWi.sii.'d in the Holland language, Personally, 
M r. \'under Meuler was an admirable man— genial, social, and somewhat 
luinii>rons. He Wiis high-principled and manly. To know him was to be 
his friend. His hfe was an eventful one, and it came to a digniiied close. 



FKANCIS VAX DRIELLE. 

.■\mong the Hollan<lers who came to this region about 1848, was the man 
whose name heads this aiiiclt". 
lb' is a native of Zeeland; bora 
•lime 0. l>^l(i. When al)Oiit twelve 
yt'ars old his father died, leaving 
liini the oldest nf four children, 
dependent upon his nuither, who 
liad no means of support excei)t 
In-r laljor. Siie, earning barely 
.1 dollar a week, contrived by the 
clo.-est ealculations to keep her 
family together. Would you 
know the close calculations ut 
honest poverty, get Van Lhielle 
to tell of his noble mother's man- 
agement. Francis found, after a 
while, employment with a baker; 
trom the etl'ects of canyingtlie 
baker's basket around the town, 
he has never recovereil. 

I n 1847, in hopes of bettoring his 
fortune he came to America. He 
at first foimd employment for 
about a year on the Delaware S: Hudson Canal. In July, 1848, he 
came to tJrand Rapids, Avhere he dug in the canal. He soon found 
employment in the mill of Clemens iV: Sweet, in whose employ he re- 
mained fifteen years. In the meantime some favorable investments in real 
estate had given him confidence to start business for himself, and he went 
into the flour and feed business, in which he has since remained. In 1868 
h" built a block of stores on the south side of Monroe street. The result of 
all is he is now in the enjoyment of an aliundr.nt com[>etence. 

Mr. Van Drielle is strongly identified with the Refor ned Church, in which 
for 'JO years he has been an elder. In his present condition he does not for- 
get the state of humility from which he has risen, but thankful to the 
Divine Providence that has favored his efforts, cheerfully enjoys hfe, and 
hopes still to act for the welfi\i-e of others. 




Frrmris Van Lrirtte 



MEMORIALS OF THE 



WM. C. YOUNG. 

'Jliis A No. 1 farmer, whose hearty hospitality makes his home a very ilo- 

birable place to become acqunint- 
od with, represents his life as ;iu 
unoveiitfiil one; simply (.lirooteil 
to the buiklinnr up of a fortune, 
and establishing a grood name iis 
a plain, honest, open-hearted and 
social man. As such, we wel- 
come his hearty countenance to 
this book, and wish a greater 
peiv'ontiige ot the world were of 
the same stamp. 

He began life at Little Britain, 
Orange county, N. Y., in IS'Jl; 
was bred a fanner, and always 
has been one. At the age ol' 
twenty-one. he spent some two 
years looking over the United 
States — South and West — seek- 
ing the place where all tilings 
would be to his liking. He found 
no such El Dorado; but finally, 
in June, 1844, gravitated to the 
township of Cannon, where he 
made a large purchase of governn>ent land, and where he has always 
lived; where he has made farming a success; prospered and grown rich; 
Ix'ing one of the heaviest fiinners in Kent county. 

In 1850, he took to himself a \v\ie — Miss Maria J. Arnott. lliey have two 
living sons — David and Wilhs. 

Mr. Young makes no display; but, as a Chiistian gontleman of the old 
school, is a free contributor to religious and charitable purposes; and is be- 
lieved in, by those who know him, as a prompt man, whose word is a bond, 
and whose honesty is without reproach. 




IVm. C. Ymmff, 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 754 156 9 



